Operator News
Germany – Slot machines reopen in Baden-Baden, Constance and Stuttgart
By Phil - 14 May 2020
After more than eight weeks of closure, the three casinos in Baden-Württemberg are now starting to operate again to a very limited extent.
On May 13, the slot machines were reopened in the casinos in Baden-Baden, Constance and Stuttgart. In Casino Constance, however, only the slot machine game on Seestraße is possible; the slot machine jackpot at Bahnhofsplatz remains closed until further notice. The classic games like roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat and punto banco cannot be played yet; their reopening is planned for May 25. Due to the corona pandemic, Baden-Württembergische Spielbanken had closed its casinos on March 13.
“In the past few weeks, we have developed an extensive hygiene concept in our casinos in Baden-Baden, Constance and Stuttgart in accordance with the state’s ordinance on infection-protection measures against the spread of the corona virus, which we are now implementing,” said Managing Director Otto Wulferding. The head of the state-owned company added that possible infection chains in the casinos can be clearly traced. “The obligation to register when visiting our casinos enables us to determine exactly who was visiting us and at what time.” This gives the casinos the opportunity to quickly trace possible infection chains if necessary.
For the time being, however, only half of the machines will be in operation at the three locations for security reasons. This can also lead to access restrictions. The casino company will shortly provide information on the current status on its website.
The hygiene concept stipulates that the guests and employees must wear a mask, the minimum clearance and regular disinfection of the gaming machines and tokens. Dispensers with disinfectant solutions are also set up in all areas. “The health of our employees as well as our visitors and guests in the casinos is extremely important to us,” added Mr. Wulferding. Therefore, arrangements had already been made before the three casinos in the southwest were closed.
The casino boss also sees the reopening of the casinos positively from the perspective of the 575 employees. “After many weeks of uncertainty and partial, necessary short-time work, our employees can now look to the future with confidence,” he explained.
Traditional table games will be able to resume operations in compliance with the country’s hygiene regulations on May 25. However, Mr. Wulferding believes it will still take a long time before normal operation return to in pre-Corona times.
