Bettiong in Berlin
Berlin is the Capital city of Germany. During the Cold War, it was divided by a wall and became the focal point of tensions between the Western and Eastern bloc countries. During this time of complication, the city did not attract a huge amount of tourism and was not a destination for entertainment activities. The region was mainly used as a base for business and diplomacy matters.
In 1989, the wall was taken down and Berlin was able to start the process of reunification. By 1990, Berlin was once again proclaimed the capital of Germany. Today its population exceeds 3.5 million. Berlin has become a world city of science, politics, media and culture. The city is renowned for its high quality of living - it offers world famous universities, museums, architecture, arts, festivals and nightlife activities, as well as having a sophisticated transport network.
Berlin currently has over a dozen licenced gambling venues, eight of which are run by a company called the Casino Merkur-Spielothek - part of the Gauselmann Group. Paul Gauselmann started the business in 1957, initially concentrating on reconditioning second hand U.S. jukeboxes. In 1976, the business started producing its own games machines. Currently, Casino Merkur-Spielothek provides games machines throughout Berlin. The casinos are open from 11am until 3pm, seven days a week. There are a variety of gaming opportunities available at Berlin’s casinos. The minimum age to partake is 18 years of age and punters are required to follow a smart dress code. The Casino Berlin - located on Panoramastraße - facilitates almost 200 slot machines, as well as an area dedicated to table games such as Poker, Roulette and Blackjack. The casino includes a shopping arcade, health club and sauna, a meeting room, private games area and the Mystery Bar.
The Spielbank Berlin, which is located on Marlene Dietrich Platz, has two separate casinos: the Casino Royal and the Casino Leger. The Spielbank Berlin has a total of 250 games machines as well as 19 tables which offer Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, Sic Bo and Baccarat. The venue boasts three bars and three restaurants.
Poker has become very popular in Berlin. The European Poker Tour is often held in the capital and is hosted in the Grand Hyatt Berlin on Marlene Dietrich Platz. The city also has many permanent poker rooms such as the 27 All Inn on Winnsstrasse and the Pokerlounge Berlin on Platz der Luftbrücke.
Horseracing can also be enjoyed at the Hoppegarten Racecourse in Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten, which is located in the state of Brandenburg. Until 1945, the turf racecourse was one of the most important equine centres in Germany. Today, Hoppegarten Racecourse provides thoroughbred racing alongside a full range of drink and dining facilities.
