EM center for gambling addicts: a significant issue

Betting on soccer games - EM center for gambling addicts: a significant issue

As we approach the start of the European Football Championship in Germany, addiction experts are issuing a warning about the potential dangers of the event. Dorothea Aschke, from the state office for drug-related issues in Baden-Württemberg, says, "When football fever rises, so does gambling fever." Around 46,000 people in the southwest alone have issues with sports betting, and this problem is even more prevalent in sports clubs. Aschke emphasizes the harmful effects of the 24/7 availability of online sports betting, stating that it has a high potential for addiction.

We need to shed light on the true nature of sports betting. Studies show that one in four sports bettors suffer from mild gambling addictions, about 12% have moderate addictions, and an even more concerning 11.2% have severe addictions. Among the most harmful forms of sports betting are live sports betting. The state office has found that young men between the ages of 21 and 35, especially those with migration backgrounds, are the most affected demographic.

Aschke urges us to understand that "sports betting is gambling and not a sport." Sadly, this sentiment is encouraged by sports betting advertisements. The state office is pushing for sports betting to be considered a form of gambling, subjecting it to stricter laws and advertising restrictions, especially to protect young people.

In Germany, around 1.3 million people's lives are dominated by gambling, indicating they have a gambling disorder. The consequences of addiction are severe: debt, job and family loss, criminal activities related to obtaining money, health problems, and even suicide attempts. Additionally, 3.3 million people demonstrate risky gambling behavior with initial signs of addiction, such as experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not gambling or returning to gambling after incurring losses. These statistics come from a 2021 survey.

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1. Despite the excitement surrounding the European Football Championship in Germany, addiction experts are concerned about the potential increase in gambling-related issues, particularly with 'Games of chance.'
2. As Dorothea Aschke from the Baden-Württemberg state office for drug-related issues highlights, 'Men,' especially young men with migration backgrounds, are among the most affected demographics when it comes to sports betting addiction.
3. The harm of 'Addiction' to sports betting becomes evident in the severe consequences it can have on individuals' lives, including debt, job loss, family issues, and even suicide attempts.
4. The European Football Championship serves as a critical opportunity to address the issue head-on in Germany. EM authorities should consider implementing stricter regulations on 'Gambling' advertisements, as advocated by addiction experts, to protect vulnerable populations.
5. It's essential to recognize 'Soccer' games as a form of entertainment instead of a sport, thus creating a distinction between participants and spectators who indulge in 'Games of chance.'
6. 'Stuttgart,' a city in Baden-Württemberg, could set a leading example for the rest of Europe by implementing local policies and initiatives to combat gambling addiction, tackling issues like 'Diseases' associated with excessive gaming and promoting 'Health' awareness.

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