Competing Gambling Venues in Hessia, Germany, Participate in the Thriving Gambling Industry
Livening Up the Classics: Casino Bad Homburg's Staggering Success in 2024
Casino Bad Homburg welcomes a record-shattering Gross Gaming Revenue of 58 million EUR in 2024, according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, thanks in part to its intriguing mix of classic and contemporary gaming experiences.
Turning Up the Heat in Bad Homburg
With more than 650 visitors on average days and weekend crowds swelling to capacity, Casino Bad Homburg raked in an unprecedented 58 million EUR in Gross Gaming Revenue last year, as reported by the German Press Agency. Despite catering to a broad spectrum of age groups, Manager Lutz Schenkel notes that younger crowds arrive fashionably dressed, keen to immerse themselves in the casino experience.
Slot machines dominate the floor, with classic games like roulette and blackjack also on offer in the historic Brunnensälchen.
The Deal of the Century Rebirthing the Spa House
Bad Homburg is on the brink of a history-making renovation: the dilapidated spa house will be transformed through the casino's financial backing. Instead of relying on public funds, the city plans to finance the project almost entirely from the pacht income of François-Blanc Casino GmbH.
The new concept involves demolition instead of renovation, as the current 1980s building is outdated. The casino will gain significantly more space in the new structure, including room for around 50 additional slot machines. This expansion might boost annual revenue by an estimated 13 million EUR.
Even in the 19th century, the casino played a crucial role in financing the spa house. Now, that circle could be completed with a return to a modern spa house.
Classy Nights in Wiesbaden
According to Andreas Krautwald, manager of Casino Wiesbaden, the focus on classic gaming is intentional: While many German casinos have shifted primarily to slot machine operations, Casino Wiesbaden and Casino Bad Homburg prioritize delivering an authentic casino experience.
Their strategy aims to preserve the traditional casino area while integrating modern technology to stand out in the competitive gaming market. Despite slot machines' dominance, with 90% of revenue from these games, classic table games still hold a 10% share and the prestige associated with traditional casino games.
Director Holger Reuter, from Casino Bad Homburg, considers the establishment vital for the city's image and economic development. "Bad Homburg wouldn't be what it is without its casino," he shared with Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Although the casino doesn't turn a blind eye to gambling addiction concerns, they offer informational brochures and preventive conversation options for those who might be struggling. Remarkably, internal training programs help croupiers develop a feel for the guests, even going so far as to send them to play themselves, according to Schenkel.
Casino Wiesbaden's Countdown
In contrast to Bad Homburg's secure license lasting until 2037, Casino Wiesbaden faces an urgent situation, with its license expiring at the end of 2025. The city administration has initiated a re-tendering procedure, aiming for completion by summer 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Currently, prominent gambling giant Novomatic is in talks for ownership, and the city has also weighed the option of self-management, despite the challenges of high startup capital and limited expertise.
Casino Bad Homburg's success in 2024 sparks a renewed interest in traditional casinos, with online casinos Germany seeing an uncontrollable growth in popularity.
As an example, Casino Wiesbaden, another historical casino, is planning to reclaim its prestige by focusing on casino-games like roulette and blackjack, aiming to recapture the authentic casino experience that online gambling lacks.
By 2025, Casino Wiesbaden faces an expiring license, and the city is considering various options, including collaborating with a gambling giant such as Novomatic or self-management, despite the financial and expertise challenges.
Meanwhile, the statistics show an increasing revenue trend for German casinos, with Casino Bad Homburg's Gross Gaming Revenue estimated to reach an average of 61 million EUR in 2025, a significant jump from the 58 million EUR in 2024.
