In Austria, the results of the first major study on in-game purchases were published a few weeks ago. The results showed that more than 50 per cent of young people have already used such features and invested considerable sums of money in the process. There are often strong parallels with typical games of chance. The debate on loot boxes and the like is likely to be fuelled once again.
Chris_W
Studies that look at gambling in Germany are anything but easy these days: the Gambling Survey in particular was heavily criticised at the end of last year and again at the beginning of 2024 due to possible methodological errors. Now the survey and those responsible for it are once again being criticised - and the gambling atlas is also being criticised. The Bremen FDP doubts that the surveys fulfil their actual claim to independence, as money from the gambling industry has apparently been used.
Chris_W
A few weeks ago, CDU MP Gitta Connemann asked the German government an interesting question regarding gaming machines in Germany. Specifically, the politician, who was born in Leer/Ostfriesland, wanted to know how the number of legally and illegally operated gaming machines has developed since 2012. The federal government's answer to this seemingly simple question was surprising.
Christian_1994
Since the introduction of the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) in summer 2021, strict conditions and restrictions have applied to online gambling in Germany. Among other things, gambling enthusiasts must accept a minimum playing time, a maximum stake of one euro per spin, a ban on autospin and a ban on progressive jackpots. But what do players miss most in German online casinos?
Christian_1994
According to the recently published turnover figures for 2023, online casinos in Switzerland enjoyed a significant increase in turnover. Land-based casinos, on the other hand, suffered a decline in turnover. But will this trend continue in the coming years, meaning that land-based casinos could even face extinction in the long term?
Christian_1994
A few days ago, a high-end Mallorcan restaurant was raided due to a special event for which a so-called mobile casino was provided. The Spanish authorities suspected illegal gambling at the casino-themed event. An investigation has now been launched against the organisers, a German couple. Was it all just a misunderstanding or was there a criminal offence?
Chris_W
The latest episode of the late-night show “ZDF Magazin Royale”, hosted by Jan Böhmermann, is all about sports betting. As usual, Böhmermann takes a critical look at the European Championship sponsor Betano, the Tipico franchise system and the dangers of sports betting. The show hardly says a positive word about sports betting in its 20 minutes or so. So does the satirical magazine show report too negatively on the hobby of millions of Germans?
Christian_1994
The German Gambling Congress 2024 will take place in Berlin at the end of this month. The main topics include “Lootboxes” and “When illegality becomes normality”. The idea of the congress is for academics, politicians, regulators and gambling providers to enter into a joint dialog.
Christian_1994
The Chinese shopping platform Temu often offers extreme bargains from every conceivable product category - from fashion to electronics and leisure items to home furnishings. However, the offers are repeatedly criticised for being too cheap, too unsafe and often misleading. Now advertising is also increasingly coming under scrutiny, with gambling-like elements designed to provide manipulative incentives to buy.
Chris_W
According to study data from the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), around 430,000 people in Germany are affected by problematic gambling behaviour or a gambling addiction. So far, young male adults up to the age of 25 have been among the largest risk group. Researcher Dr Tobias Hayer has published a book entitled ‘Glücksspielprobleme im Alter’ (Gambling problems in old age) with new and exciting findings.
Christian_1994
A total of over 270,000 player bans are currently active in the nationwide player ban file OASIS. With the exception of around 10,000 players, all players have blocked themselves. This is according to an answer from the Hessian Ministry of the Interior to a parliamentary question from the FDP parliamentary group in the state parliament.
Christian_1994
During a raid in Hamburg a few days ago, police officers were astonished when they discovered an illegal gaming machine at a hairdresser's. The machine was also found at other locations. Police and employees of the Hamburg-Mitte district office also made finds at other checkpoints. A similar raid took place in Düsseldorf at the beginning of May.
Christian_1994
A 72-year-old pensioner claims to have won more than 2.5 million dollars at a US casino. According to her statement, however, the casino in question refuses to pay out the million-dollar prize and ultimately only offers a mini-compensation of 350 dollars. But why is the renowned casino refusing to pay out the winnings and what are the player's chances of success?
Christian_1994
The Republic of Uzbekistan is legalising online gambling from next year. The approximately 37 million inhabitants of Uzbekistan will then probably not only be able to legally gamble in online casinos, but also place sports bets online and take part in lotteries. But why did the President of Uzbekistan sign a decree to this effect a few weeks ago?
Christian_1994
With a lottery win of tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands or even millions of euros, the doors are wide open for the purchase of many beautiful things. A study initiated by the EuroJackpot, which focuses on recording unpopular investments from lottery winnings, has produced some interesting results: yachts, works of art, beauty surgeries and other ‘classics’ are out!
Chris_W