Operator News

Germany – DSbV casinos returning to pre-pandemic levels in Germany

By Phil - 8 November 2022

With a positive result after the first nine months of 2022, the German casinos in the association DSbV are optimistic about the final phase of the year with revenues already returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The DSBV are The Bremer Spielcasino, the Baden-Württembergische Spielbanken, the Brandenburgische Spielbanken, the Saarland Spielbank, the Spielbanken in Schleswig-Holstein, the Bayerische Spielbanken, the Sächsische Spielbanken and the Merkur Spielbanken in Nordrhein-Westfalen. By the end of September, they had achieved a gross player day (BSE, revenue minus paid winnings) of €384.1m. In the same period of the previous year, BSE stood at €133.9m.

Kerstin Kosanke, Chairwoman of the German Casino Association DSbV, said: “The pure figures distort the picture, as the earnings situation in 2021 is not comparable to that of 2022. The German casinos, like other institutions of public life, have also followed clear corona protection rules. As a result, many casinos remained closed for a long time. But the very positive interim result with an increase of 186.86 per cent is encouraging. It shows that we are prepared for competition and are on the right track even in times of crisis.”

According to Kosanke, they are now returning to pre-pandemic levels.

“It is a sign that people in difficult times choose a familiar place for relaxation and distraction, where they can experience their moments of happiness individually,” said Kosanke. “A few months earlier, we should have made a completely different assessment. Until recently, no one knew what impact a war in the middle of Europe would have on our society and the economic situation. Gas and electricity are becoming more expensive, the prices for many things of daily life are climbing. No one knows yet what consequences this will have for gambling. It is uncertain whether fewer guests will come to us and the stakes will decrease. In our current figures, however, there is no sign of this.”

“I assume that the generally stronger winter months will also present themselves accordingly this year. Maybe it’s time to think optimistically that people are betting on entertainment and happiness – even if the current situation is as uncertain as looking into a crystal ball,” added Kosanke.