The German Government, through its 16 separate 'Lander' or states, is considering new laws for AWP machines which will curb their performance.
The areas under discussion include reducing payout levels, mandatory closing times for arcades and a ban on advertising. Draft proposals also include the right for the Lander to limit the number of operating licences in their areas and to introduce minimum distances between arcades.
It is not expected by the industry that all of the proposals will make the final regulation. At any event the trade associations in Germany consider that the EU may not approve the changes from a competition point of view and the associations are pledged to fight changes legally.
Machines in pubs and bars are also under consideration with the federal Government considering the reduction in the number of machines per location from three to two.
