Westspiel, Germania occidentale, in vendita.
In un importante sviluppo, i casinò Westspiel sono destinati ad accogliere un nuovo proprietario, con la licenza che consente l'operazione di fino a sei casinò e la possibilità di due ulteriori località nel prossimo futuro. Il periodo di concessione per questi casinò è fissato a 15 anni.
Il Ministro delle Finanze Lienenkemper ha espresso soddisfazione per il progresso della procedura di concessione Westspiel. Il processo, avviato a Düsseldorf, ha incontrato proteste e critiche da parte dell'SPD e dei Verdi, ma continua a procedere.
Il nuovo proprietario deve rispettare diversi criteri, tra cui almeno 20 milioni di euro di patrimonio netto e almeno tre anni di esperienza nel settore dei casinò. Il valore stimato totale di Westspiel è di 2,7 miliardi di euro, sebbene il prezzo di acquisto finale non sia stato reso noto.
Various companies have expressed interest in Westspiel, including the Austrian gambling giant Novomatic AG and Gauselmann, the owner of Merkur. Gauselmann has been interested in Westspiel for some time and has criticised the planned reduction of slot machine halls in Düsseldorf. Casinos Austria is also said to be a potential suitor.
However, Tipico, a Malta-licensed betting provider and FC Bayern sponsor, is also a candidate. While Tipico is a strong player in the betting industry, it may not have enough experience in operating casinos. The Frankfurt public prosecutor's office initiated proceedings against Tipico in November due to allegations of illegal gambling.
The privatization of the Westspiel casinos, previously owned by NRW, has been a controversial topic for two years. Criticism has been directed at the Ministry of Finance for mismanagement of Westspiel, which has had difficult years, achieving profits of only 3.2 million euros in 2019. The SPD has accused the black-yellow coalition of trying to sell the casinos quickly using inflated figures and at the expense of the employees.
The concession procedure is expected to last until early 2022, with the winner to be determined. The new owner will be tasked with revitalising the Westspiel casinos and ensuring their long-term success.
In the ensuing discourse, it's worth noting the potential acquisition of the Westspiel casinos by various companies, including online casinos operating in Germany. Companies like the Austrian gambling giant Novomatic AG, Gauselmann (owner of Merkur), Casinos Austria, and Tipico – a Malta-licensed betting provider – are among the contenders. While Tipico is well-established in the betting industry, its lack of experience in casino operations may pose a challenge. This transition, along with the business strategy of the new owner, will significantly impact the revitalization and long-term success of the Westspiel casinos, particularly in the fields of finance and online casino-and-gambling, including casino-games.
