Operator News
Germany – City of Breman outlaws casino privatisation to prevent sale of its two casinos
By Phil - 14 July 2021
The City of Breman in North Rhine-Westphalia has changed its casino ownerships laws so that the local government can takeover ownership of the two casinos in Bremen and Bremerhaven.
The casinos are currently owned by Westspiel, the state-owned casino operator who has put the venues up for private sale. The City of Breman wants to prevent the privitisation of the casinos and instead wants them run by government-owned Bremen Toto und Lotto GmbH.
Around 100 employees currently work at the casinos in Bremen and Bremerhaven.
Finance Senator Dietmar Strehl believes the move is a necessary step as it will protect minors and fight against gambling addiction.
Bremen received around €7m from the casino tax in 2019. Vice Chairman of the Freedom Democratic Party Hauke ​​Hilz said though tat buying casinos is not a job for the state, adding that the purchase is a risk for taxpayers.
