In an extensive campaign, the Gambling Department of the RP Darmstadt (Regional Council) recently 40 betting offices in Frankfurt am Main The aim was to check whether Frankfurt betting shops were complying with legal requirements and to punish any violations. The controls also served to prevent money laundering, which is a key challenge in the gambling industry.
The RP Darmstadt is the central authority in Hesse for the approval and monitoring of betting agencies. There are over 300 approved betting offices throughout Hesse. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure that these businesses meet the legal requirements.
The checks uncovered 15 administrative offences. The most common violations included admitting minors and operating illegal slot machines. Both violations represent serious breaches of the rules. However, they are usually punished with fines and do not lead to criminal consequences. Nevertheless, their punishment is important in order to ensure the protection of minors and the integrity of betting offers.
Revocation proceedings initiated against two serious cases
Particularly serious violations were found in two Frankfurt betting shops. These included non-compliance with closing times and the serving of alcohol, which is strictly prohibited. In both cases, the Darmstadt Regional Court initiated revocation proceedings that can lead to the withdrawal of the operating license. This shows that the authorities are taking consistent action against serious violations.
In 2024, 322 betting shops were inspected in Hesse. The authorities identified 87 administrative offenses, most of which were punished with fines. More serious violations led to revocation proceedings in 47 cases. At the same time, 135 new permits were issued, which shows that the betting shop industry in Hesse continues to grow. Regular inspections are therefore essential to ensure that new and existing providers adhere to the rules.
The control action in Frankfurt has made it clear that there is still room for improvement in many betting shops. The protection of minors and compliance with central regulations are particularly problematic. The authorities will continue to take measures to punish violations and ensure the integrity of the industry. This will not only improve player protection, but also strengthen trust in legal offers.
