History
Spielbank Berlin GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1975 by Gustav Jaenecke to establish and operate a casino in what was then West Berlin. Today, Spielbank Berlin is internationally known for its versatile entertainment, its diverse selection of games and its unique ambience. They offer a wide range of games at 4 locations, including roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat and more.
The history of Spielbank Berlin
October 1, 1975
Foundation of Spielbank Berlin
Spielbank Berlin GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1975 by Gustav Jaenecke to establish and operate a casino in what was then West Berlin. In the autumn of 1975, the State of Berlin granted the license and gaming operations began in the Europa-Center. At that time, it was the 18th German casino.
February 2, 1984
First satellite location with slot machines
Opening of the first branch in the Hotel Steigenberger on Los-Angeles-Platz, the first location with slot machines.
May 30, 1985
Farewell to Gustav Jaenecke
Gustav “Justav” Jaenecke, the man who started it all, dies.
October 2, 1998
Modernisation of the casino at Potsdamer Platz
After the fall of the Wall, the Berlin Senate was keen to accelerate the upgrading of the area around Potsdamer Platz. Spielbank Berlin took the opportunity to modernize and expand and in 1998 moved into its current premises in the building complex designed by Renzo Piano in the immediate vicinity of Potsdamer Platz.
March 15, 2000
Pioneer in Responsible Gaming
As a pioneer in the important area of Responsible Gaming, Spielbank Berlin has always continuously set new standards and established its own department in March 2000 as part of a player protection project.
November 22, 2003
Expansion into Hasenheide
In the heart of Hasenheide, Spielbank Berlin opened its third location, which remained a popular attraction for gaming enthusiasts until December 31, 2017.
March 4, 2005
New Spandau location
Opening of the fourth location of Spielbank Berlin in Spandau.
January 1, 2011
Novomatic becomes shareholder
Novomatic AG becomes a shareholder of Spielbank Berlin.
February 1, 2013
Expansion to TV Tower
Opening of the location at the TV Tower after taking over WestSpiel including inventory and personnel. Thus, Spielbank Berlin briefly operated five locations.
January 20, 2016
Gauselmann Group becomes shareholder
With the tendering of the new concession, the Gauselmann Group joins with a share of 40 percent.
June 18, 2021
Restart at Ku'damm
Opening of the Kurfürstendamm location after the closure of the previous Los-Angeles-Platz location during the COVID shutdown.
October 1, 2025
50 years anniversary
Spielbank Berlin is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – half a century filled with excitement, glamour, and unforgettable moments.
Gustav Jaenecke – der Mann mit dem alles begann
Die Anfänge der Spielbank Berlin waren entscheidend mit dem Sport verbunden. 1975 war es Gustav Jaenecke, der das Unternehmen im damaligen Westberlin gründete. Jaenecke war und ist bis heute der erfolgreichste deutsche Eishockeyspieler. Von 1923 bis 1944 schob er für den Berliner Schlittschuhclub den Puck über das Eis.
Nach dem Krieg setzte er seine Karriere in Garmisch-Partenkirchen fort. Er gewann Silber und Bronze bei Weltmeisterschaften, wurde Europameister und insgesamt 13 Mal Deutscher Meister. Darüber hinaus war Jaenecke auch im Tennis ein Ass: Deutscher Tennismeister 1932. Zu seinen Doppelpartnern zählte unter anderem der dreimalige Wimbledonfinalist Gottfried von Cramm.
Als er 1951 seine Karriere beendete blieb Jaenecke dem Spiel treu, doch nicht mehr auf dem Eis. Ihn zog es nach Bad Neuenahr, wo er Chef der dortigen Spielbank wurde, aber sein Herz hing an Berlin. So gründete er 1975 die Spielbank und wurde deren Gesellschafter bis zu seinem Tod 1985.
The history of gambling
The game of chance can look back on a long history: The fascination with probabilities and personal luck is not a modern phenomenon – and it has always been a popular pastime for people. Even if there were not as sophisticated variants in the early days of gambling as there are today, certain similarities can be observed.
