1.3 million Germans have a „gambling disorder“

Of the approximately 85 million inhabitants of Germany, around 1.3 million have a so-called "gambling disorder". In other words, more than every 100th German citizen has such a disorder. At least this is the conclusion reached in the current gambling atlas. But how can the proportion of problematic and pathological gamblers in Germany be reduced in the long term?

The Gambling Atlas 2023 was presented by the Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD) and provides interesting insights into the dark side of the gambling industry. According to the report, around 1.3 million Germans are currently addicted to gambling - this is referred to as a "gambling disorder". The Federal Drug Commissioner's aim is to better protect vulnerable groups such as adolescents and young adults from the dangers of gambling.

When does a "gambling disorder" actually exist?

The term "problem gambling" is used whenever a player develops health, financial or social problems as a result of gambling. It does not matter whether it is sports betting, slot machines or other types of gambling. People with a "gambling disorder" can be labelled as gambling addicts. A year and a half ago, we reported on an interview with Youtuber 'Leeroy' in which a gambling addict meets a casino owner.

Gambling atlas 2023: Over 3 million people exhibit risky gambling behaviour

According to the current Gambling Atlas 2023, not only 1.3 million people in Germany are affected by a "gambling disorder". A further 3.3 million people show risky gambling behaviour and the first signs of addiction. This means, for example, that gamblers "chase" losses or show withdrawal symptoms when they are not gambling.

According to the study, a total of 4.6 million adults in Germany show problematic or pathological gambling behaviour.

Federal Drug Commissioner calls for less gambling advertising

A few months ago, Federal Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD) called for better protection of children and young people from the dangers of gambling. In particular, gambling advertising should be severely restricted in view of the upcoming European Football Championships. An article published on GambleJoe at the end of June already discussed whether gambling advertising should only be allowed at night.

Gambling addiction is no longer limited to sports betting and online casinos. Loot boxes have also become increasingly popular, especially among young people. These are apparently harmless games in which players are lured into gambling with real money.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/mann-gesicht-psychose-kopf-hände-2877135/