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Gambling machine discovered in the refrigerator Five bars in Herten’s neighboring town checked
November 20, 2024 6:30 p.m
Split
Hygiene deficiencies, parking violations and gambling machines in unusual places: an inspection of bars in Gelsenkirchen brought a whole series of grievances to light. (Symbolic image) © dpa
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During a control operation, the Public Safety and Order Department in Herten’s neighboring town of Gelsenkirchen, in collaboration with the food control department, the city treasury and the Gelsenkirchen police, made surprising discoveries. At the end of October, three betting terminals and five gambling machines were discovered in five pubs in the south of Gelsenkirchen, which either violated player protection or were operated illegally.
The operators hid them particularly imaginatively: a gaming machine was found in the women’s toilet, and another was even found in the refrigerator. In total, the inspection secured five illegal gambling devices. One company was also sealed.
Hygiene deficiencies and illegal parking
Further violations resulted from hygienic deficiencies, for which verbal warnings were issued by the food inspectorate in all inspected bars. The team also issued two warning fines for data protection violations.
Traffic controls in the area around the businesses inspected led to four parking violations being punished and two violations due to missing particulate matter stickers. The joint action by the authorities took place as an initiative called “Together for Order and Security” (GeOS).
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1. Can you share your thoughts on the recent discovery of a gambling machine hidden in a refrigerator of a bar in Gelsenkirchen? How do you think this could affect the local community, particularly in terms of minors’ exposure to gambling?
2. As an expert in gambling regulations, how do you assess the legal implications of this situation? Is it common for bars to hide gambling machines in unusual places like this? What measures should be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future?
3. The inspection also uncovered hygiene deficiencies and parking violations in the bars. What role do you think local authorities should play in ensuring compliance with these regulations? Is it necessary to conduct joint operations like ‘Together for Order and Security’ more frequently?
4. With regards to player protection, what specific regulations exist for gambling machines in Germany? How can players be protected from potential harm associated with these machines?
5. How do you evaluate the overall impact of gambling machines in public places like bars and restaurants? Do you think they contribute positively to the local economy or negatively impact public health and safety?
