Number of arcades in Nuremberg stagnating

The city of Nuremberg does not want to increase the number of existing arcades endlessly. Behind this idea is not only the new German State Gambling Treaty, which prescribes a certain distance between gambling venues. Nuremberg has many other reasons to curb gambling venues.

Agglomerations of gambling venues should disappear

Nuremberg is struggling with two different problems: There are 128 gambling venues in Nuremberg, consisting of arcades with slot machines and betting shops. Of course, the city is huge, so one might think that the gambling halls would be distributed sensibly. However, this is not the case, and the largest number of gambling halls is located in one area: the main train station, as in most cities, is a problem because most of the gambling halls are located here.

On the one hand, it is logical for gambling operators to place their establishments at the train station, of all places. There are always many people there who like to kill their time between the train traffic with gambling. This is the only reason why it is worthwhile for the companies to operate the gambling establishments in this area of all places. However, many people live around the main train station in Nuremberg, including many unemployed people. They would try to supplement their income with gambling. But this does not always succeed, which is why the city administration has now decided to curb the gambling venues. Read our fresh Betstarexch review to win big prizes.

However, gamblers and gambling venues can be happy that existing arcades are allowed to stay open. The reduction of gambling halls refers to the future.

New development plans provide for fewer arcades

To curb the growth of gambling halls, some development plans were amended. These again included gambling halls that are now not yet allowed to open. Certain streets have been designated by the city council in which new gambling establishments are allowed to open. In numerous other streets, betting shops and gambling halls are not allowed to open. The existing betting shops and gambling establishments are allowed to remain open even if there is no license.

The city has been struggling with the lack of a license for some time. Lawsuits are repeatedly initiated, but they do not always lead to success. Experience shows that the defendant's betting shops close shortly before a court decision is made so that no decision is reached at all. Not long after, the betting shops opened under a different name, again without a license, of course. Since every lawsuit requires time and money, the city has often deliberately refrained from taking legal action.

Further problems of too many venues

Experts may find fault with the fact that existing gaming venues may not be closed. The German State Gambling Treaty stipulates that there must be a distance of 500 meters between locations. In addition, this distance must be maintained from children's and youth facilities. This, of course, is to protect minors. In Nuremberg, however, minors always come into contact with the gambling venues. But unfortunately, the State Gambling Treaty prevents existing locations from being closed.

This is another reason why Nuremberg cannot do anything about existing gambling venues. It is all the more positive that gambling locations will be reduced in the future. When selecting the streets, attention was certainly paid to whether there are children's and youth facilities in the vicinity. It is possible that Nuremberg's population will not necessarily see it as positive if the number of gambling venues is reduced. These seem to be very popular, and some of them were even awarded the "Applause 2021" prize this year. This award not only rewards excellence but also recognizes venues for their staying power.

Stock remains intact despite Corona crisis

It is interesting to note that the venues in Nuremberg survived the Corona pandemic with its lockdowns unscathed. The operators of the amusement venues are all the more pleased that the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior has spared them. The grace period for existing venues has been extended until 2031 so that no venue will have to close. The grace period also applies if the required distance of 500 meters is not maintained. The main reason for the grace period is the high revenue generated by Nuremberg's venues.

Nevertheless, it is not the case that there is no criticism. The venues displace retail trade and would thus make the streets unattractive. These are the arguments of the opponents. In addition, too many gambling venues promote gambling addiction. The only question is whether online casinos would also not create this. Anyone who wants to gamble can always do so. Playing is effortless with your smartphone. Everyone always carries this with them, which is why it is unproblematic to use the latest slot at any place and at any time. The situation is similar to sports bets, which can also be placed at any time via the smartphone.