Competing Gambling Venues in Hessia, Germany Making Their Mark in the Wider Gambling Industry
Rewritten Article:
- Casino Bad Homburg Smashes Gaming Revenue Record in 2024 with 58 Million EUR
- Slot Machines Contribute a Whopping 90%, Classics Account for a Paltry 10%
- Casino Wiesbaden Stands Firm on Classic Gaming Experience
Casino Bad Homburg Sets New Revenue Record
Dive into the success of the storied Casino in Bad Homburg, shattering its revenue record in 2024, earning a staggering 58 million EUR, as per the Süddeutsche Zeitung, quoting a press release from the German Press Agency.
CEO Lutz Schenkel attributes the casino's irresistible allure to visitors from all walks of life, with a growing number of young enthusiasts lusting for the casino experience. On an average weeknight, approximately 650 guests drop by, and weekends frequently exceed capacity. A dedicated team of around 230 employees keeps the operation running smoothly.
With a panoply of offerings spanning slot machines to classic games like roulette and blackjack in the charming Brunnensälchen, the flourishing foot traffic is no surprize.
Casino Driving the Modernization of Kurhaus
Bad Homburg is on the brink of a historic deal: The casino is set to become the primary lessee and fund the renovation of the dilapidated Kurhaus. Instead of dipping into public funds, the city plans to finance the project almost entirely with the pacht income of the François-Blanc-Casino GmbH.
The daring plan: ** demolition instead of renovation**. The current Kurhaus from the 1980s is viewed as outdated in terms of construction and safety. The new building will offer the casino more elbow room - enough for around 50 additional slot machines, potentially increasing annual revenues by 13 million EUR.
Just as in the 19th century, the casino played a crucial role in financing the then Kurhaus; now, the cycle could be completed with the move back into a modern Kurhaus.
Casino Wiesbaden Embraces Classic Gaming
In contrast to many German casinos that have embraced slot machines exclusively, CEO Andreas Krautwald reveals Casino Wiesbaden's commitment to preserving the classic gaming experience, mirroring Casino Bad Homburg's approach.
The goal is to blend the classic casino setting with cutting-edge technology, maintaining an edge in a dynamic gaming market. While prestige brims from classic games, economically speaking, slot machines rule with a 90% revenue share, with only 10% from traditional table games.
Holger Reuter, the Kurdirector of Casino Bad Homburg established in 1841 by businessman François Blanc, considers the casino essential to Bad Homburg's identity and economic growth:
Bad Homburg simply wouldn't be Bad Homburg without its casino.- Holger Reuter, Kurdirector, Süddeutsche Zeitung
Despite success, the casino remains vigilant about gambling addiction. Informational materials on addictive behavior are available at the casino entrance, and there are preventive services for guests displaying concerning behavior. Some visitors even opt for personal bans.
An intimate atmosphere aids staff in recognizing at-risk players early. Notably, croupiers in the classic games undergo internal training, also participating in play to develop a stronger understanding of the guests, according to Schenkel.
In Schenkel's opinion, online casinos prove more perilous in terms of early intervention due to anonymity.
Wiesbaden: License Looming Expiry
While the license for Bad Homburg lasts until 2037, the situation in Wiesbaden is critical: The license is set to expire at the end of 2025. According to the city administration, the licensing process is already underway and is expected to conclude by summer 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.
Recent whispers suggested that gambling titan Novomatic may take over the current majority shareholder Jahr + Achterfeld Gesellschaft. The city has also grappled with the idea of operating the casino themselves but faces obstacles, including high initial costs and expertise gaps.
The Casino in Bad Homburg, having outpaced its revenue record in 2024 with a remarkable 58 million EUR, has been majorly influenced by a diverse array of visitors, particularly the growing number of young fans. With about 650 guests on an average weeknight, the casino hosts a dedicated team of around 230 employees.
Bad Homburg is poised to renovate its dilapidated Kurhaus, primarily financed through the pacht income of François-Blanc-Casino GmbH, with the plan of demolition and rebuilding a safer, modern structure. This expansion could potentially accommodate around 50 additional slot machines, boosting annual revenue by 13 million EUR.
CEO Andreas Krautwald of Casino Wiesbaden maintains a focus on preserving the classic gaming experience, mirroring Bad Homburg's approach in blending tradition with innovation. Similarly, in lighting Las Vegas-style gambling trends, slot machines dominate with a 90% revenue share, while classic table games contribute a mere 10%.
Holger Reuter, Kurdirector of Bad Homburg acknowledges the casino's vital role in the city's identity and growth: 'Bad Homburg simply wouldn't be Bad Homburg without its casino.'
The casino remains proactive in addressing gambling addiction, providing information on addictive behavior and preventive services, with some visitors even opting for personal bans. However, Schenkel expresses concerns about the anonymous nature of online casinos, making early intervention more difficult.
Facing a license expiry at the end of 2025, Wiesbaden grapples with potential takeover by gambling titan Novomatic, with rumors circulating about them becoming the majority shareholder. The city also considers self-operating the casino but cites high initial costs and expertise gaps as challenges.
