The operators of gambling halls across Europe are taking advantage of gambling as a legal grey area. As of the end of 2010, more than 550 gambling halls were registered in Berlin, and gambling addiction was becoming a bigger and bigger problem.
The younger generations were especially affected. Luckily, people in Berlin quickly realized the seriousness of the situation, and, since the 2011 Gaming Hall Act came into force, more than 70 gambling halls have been closed. Those behind the Act hope that in the end only 200 to 250 gambling halls will exist in Berlin.
Arcade operators are defending themselves against closure by any means. Almost all have gone, or are threatening to go, to court and try to countersue against the closure of their halls.
But they are only delaying the inevitable, according to experts.
The tightening of the law in 2016 will also likely wind up affecting catering establishments, which mainly earn their money via slot machines.
Full article: Berliner Abendblatt (German)
