The Gauselmann Group is eyeing the resumption of normal service within its home market of Germany but asserts that “solidarity is the top priority” as the country outlines relaxed social distancing measures.
The gaming giant currently sees its more than 700 gaming venues throughout Europe, ten German land-based casino establishments and hundreds of sports betting shops shutdown as per various measures stipulated throughout the continent.
Mitigation efforts have also seen approximately 13,500 staff furloughed, board members and managers totalling in the region of 60 waiving an average of 50 per cent of salaries and rental reductions implemented of the same percentage.
Relaxation measures detailed in the country will see non-essential shops and schools reopen with Chancellor Angela Merkel voicing worry that a selection of Germany’s 16 states were easing restrictions too quickly.
The group asserts that it “is geared towards restarting the market,” with optimism regarding the potentially early reopening of the gaming facilities and casinos in Germany expressed.
Gauselmann suggests that this is a necessary step to address a “significant increase in the use of illegal online gambling from abroad”.
“The commercial venues in particular have the advantage that they already implement requirements in the course of the statutory provisions that correspond to the principle of the distance requirement,” stated Dieter Kuhlmann, Gauselmann board member.
“This means that when our venues reopen, together with additional far-reaching measures, we can guarantee optimal infection protection for our guests and employees.”
Stressing that it’s prepared to open venues as soon as possible, Paul Gauselmann, group founder and CEO, added: “Our focus is currently on preserving all 14,000 jobs in our group if possible. Our employees have been committed to the company for many years and decades, which is why we cannot now leave them alone in these difficult times. This is a big and challenging task when you consider that we currently have practically no sales.”
