The vending machine industry between regulation and economic trends since 1993 – Update 2025
In a recent study commissioned by VDAI Verlags- und Veranstaltungsgesellschaft mbH, DIW Econ evaluated how the scope for action in the gaming machine industry has developed over the last 30 years. Entitled ’40 Pfennig Höchsteinsatz – Die Automatenwirtschaft zwischen Regulierung und ökonomischen Trends seit 1993 – Update 2025′ (40 Pfennig Maximum Bet: The Vending Machine Industry between Regulation and Economic Trends since 1993 – Update 2025), the study describes the latest developments in the industry’s economic environment, including sharp rises in energy and personnel costs, as well as the renewed expansion of illegal gaming machines.
The results demonstrate that slot machine regulation occurs within a complex socio-economic system, with a close connection between the applicable legal framework and key figures in the industry. Consequently, the slot machine industry becomes a pawn in the game of legal regulations.
For instance, a stake of €0.35 would be required in 2024 to offset inflation since 1993. However, a reduction in the minimum playing time from 12 to 5 seconds in 2006 did not change this, as the legal limit on average hourly losses does not allow for compensation for inflation, regardless of playing time.
Consequently, the channelling effect of slot machines, as defined in the State Treaty on Gaming, has been in decline for years. Demand is increasingly being diverted to the illegal sector. According to police crime statistics, gambling offences have increased twelvefold in the last eight years.
Legislators must take all essential factors into account to ensure that the channelling mandate towards legal gambling is fulfilled, thereby guaranteeing effective consumer protection. To prevent illegal gambling from gaining further strength, the changed economic conditions of the past 30 years must be incorporated into regular evaluations of the regulations.
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