Gauselmann Outlines Plans to Resume Operations in Germany

German gambling company Gauselmann Group is planning to resume its business activities in the country as the German government begins to relax social distancing measures implemented to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Last month, Gauselmann closed all its gaming venues, as well as its casinos, in Germany in line with government-ordered measures.

“The commercial venues in particular have the advantage that they already have provisions that correspond to the principle of social distancing requirements,” Gauselmann board member Dieter Kuhlmann said.

“This means that when our venues reopen, together with additional far-reaching measures, we can guarantee optimal infection protection for our guests and employees,” Dieter Kuhlmann added.

Aside from closing gambling venues and halting production and sales activities, Gauselmann has implemented a number of other measures in an effort to ensure it can resume normal business activities when restrictions are lifted. A total of 13,500 employees have been put on furlough, while board members and company managers have agreed to waive 50% of their salary during the shutdown.

“We have taken these short-term measures to protect our employees from social difficulties. Considering the size of the business, this is a considerable burden, but one that we are taking on not only on humanitarian grounds, but also to secure our company’s future,” Paul Gauselmann, founder and chief executive of Gauselmann Group, said.

“Solidarity is the top priority for the Gauselmann Group. Our focus is currently on preserving all 14,000 jobs in the group, if possible. Our employees have been committed to the company for many years and decades, which is why we cannot abandon them in these difficult times. This is a significant, challenging task when you consider that we currently have practically no revenue,” he added.

Also, the rent for all of Gauselmann’s gambling facilities has been reduced by 50% during the period of closure.