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Serious violations of player protection laws were found
During a targeted inspection of restaurants and bars, the Groß-Gerau municipal police discovered serious deficiencies in compliance with gambling law at a shisha bar on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Since responsibilities within the establishment could not be clearly established, all gambling machines were immediately marked with official seals and gambling operations were prohibited.
Unclear local responsibilities
During their inspection of the premises, officers found that key regulations for the protection of players were not being followed. Furthermore, no responsible supervisor was initially present. An employee encountered gave conflicting information regarding responsibilities and subsequently contacted the operator.
Even after his arrival, the responsibilities could not be clearly established. Operators and employees gave conflicting accounts of who had issued the legally required player card and was therefore responsible for supervising the gaming operations.
Law enforcement intervenes
Since it could not be determined on site beyond doubt who was responsible for the proper operation of the gaming machines, the regulatory authority was forced to immediately prohibit the gaming operations.
Several administrative offense proceedings have been initiated against the operator. He must now fully disclose his operational procedures and responsibilities at a hearing. Only then will a decision be made regarding the possible reactivation of the gaming machines.
(Gross-Gerau-Red/PSGG)
