(Jamma) The text of the German law relating to the regulation on amusement machines passes unscathed by the European Commission. The decree, which provides for a tightening of the legislation relating to machines with cash prizes, was adopted to further increase the protection of minors and players in the use of commercial games. To this end, it was deemed necessary to limit the incitement to play and the possibilities of losing, as well as to reduce the so-called point games and, overall, to enhance the playful character of machines with cash prizes.
More effective measures are needed by which to implement the underage gambling ban. We need to strengthen the tools that make it possible to promptly discover whether a machine with cash prizes can cause gambling addiction as well as the tools that, if necessary, allow for rapid intervention. Furthermore, it is necessary to strengthen the measures aimed at limiting the tampering of the data generated by the aforementioned devices, in order to prevent the risk of tax evasion and money laundering.
Specifically, the "expected winnings" (related to the so-called points game) will be limited by means of a declaration by the manufacturer. It is expressly forbidden for the gaming service providers to tamper with the machines with cash prizes by arranging the increase in the score in advance. Simultaneous use of these devices is subject to further limitations, as a reduction in the sums of money accumulated and a tightening of the limitations relating to the automatic keys are prescribed. There is a reduction in the maximum number of appliances with cash prizes that by law can be installed in catering establishments. With regard to the appliances installed in these catering establishments, safety measures are prescribed to prevent minors from playing with the appliances in question. In order to be able to react in a more timely manner to any undesirable developments, the approval of machines with cash prizes is currently valid for one year, while, for each machine, the duration of the installation is limited to four years. Registration obligations are introduced for appliances. The recordings, which will be made during the provision of the gaming service, must be kept for the entire duration of the established retention period and can be read using an electronic device. Measures to curb tampering must be adapted and up to date with the state of the art. In addition, details relating to the certificate of information for installers of cash prize equipment as well as non-nominative means of identification (e.g. playing cards) are defined.
