AUSTRIAN SUPREME COURT DELIVERS VERDICT IN CASINO CASE

For immediate release

Vienna, 31.01.2005 --- The Austrian Supreme Court has delivered its verdict in the case brought against Casinos Austria AG by a Carinthian businessman. In litigation initiated at the beginning of 2002, the guest had sought damages of EUR 1.2 million for alleged gaming losses. In its decision, the Supreme Court ordered Casinos Austria AG to pay damages of EUR 227,000, approximately 20 percent of the original claim. The decision regarding a further claim (EUR 217,000) was referred back to the Court of First Instance.

The Austrian Gaming Act contains some of the strictest provisions in the world with regard to player protection. Under these provisions, Casinos Austria is required to register all guests, verify identity by means of photo identification, know the frequency and intensity of their gaming habits and examine their income situation and financial assets if their gaming behavior give rise to suspicion that they might be playing beyond their financial means. No other company in the gaming sector in Austria (e.g. limited payout slot operators) is required to enforce such stringent player protection measures.

Casinos Austria AG takes its responsibility to society extremely seriously and complies fully with all its legal obligations. Indeed, responsible gaming is one of the cornerstones of its corporate philosophy. Since its founding, the company has always had a separate responsible gaming division and its staff make every possible effort to protect people at risk. The division requests financial and credit reports and, in certain cases, the provision of medical and psychological reports, thereby implementing player protection measures far in excess of legal requirements. In addition, Casinos Austria works with and provides financial support to institutions who are either specialized in the counseling and treatment of compulsive gamblers or who conduct scientific research in this field.

Over 2.5 million guests enjoy responsible gaming within their financial limits in the 12 casinos owned and operated in Austria by Casinos Austria AG each year.

This verdict by the Supreme Court demonstrates the increased focus and importance now being placed on consumer protection in the Gaming Act regulations. However, psychologists specialized in compulsive gambling problems do not consider excessive consumer protection in this sector an entirely positive trend, since it allows casino guests to play in the belief that they might be able to recuperate excessive losses.

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For further information please contact:

Hermann Pamminger
Head of Corporate Relations and Customer Care
Casinos Austria International
Dr. Karl Lueger Ring 14, A-1015 Vienna
Tel. +43-1-53440-527
E-mail: hermann.pamminger@casinos.at