- Request for Explicit Warning in Gambling Promotional Materials
Diakonie Jerichower Land - Magdeburg, a group that's been assisting gambling addiction victims for years, is pushing for more prominent warning labels in online gambling promotions. Although a total ban on gambling ads, as advocated by several groups, is currently challenging to enforce, advisor Daniel Krause explained. As a result, just like in medication advertising, clear, easily readable, and well-delivered warning labels are necessary in gambling promotions. In recognition of the Nationwide Awareness Day against Gambling Addiction on September 25, an online petition was launched.
Gaming disorders are considered addiction diseases. "No other addiction can drive individuals to financial ruin so rapidly due to the ease of access and frequent play," Diakonie Jerichower Land - Magdeburg stated in its petition. Gambling has a high potential for addiction, causing substantial harm to one's health, social life, and finances.
Approximately 1.3 million individuals in Germany have a gambling disorder, according to the 2023 Gambling Atlas, with 2.3% of the population falling into this category. Furthermore, 5.7% exhibits compulsive gambling behavior. Gambling advertisements are prevalent, with the State Treaty on Gambling stipulating that advertisements should not be excessive.
The Joint Gambling Authority of the states explained that the permits for providers include regulations for advertising. They must disclose the addiction risks associated with the promoted gambling, the prohibition of minor participation, and the availability of counseling and therapy options. Mandatory warnings must be clear and easily visible.
Clear and visible mandatory warnings are essential
"Therefore, poorly visible mandatory warnings already violate existing regulations," the authority explained. "In cases of absent or inadequately visible mandatory warnings, the GGL has already taken enforcement measures." A spokesperson also referred to the whistleblower system, allowing specific cases to be reported.
The Diakonie argues that although advertisers are obligated to warn about risks, "these inserts are hard to read due to small font, non-neutral background, short insertion time, and distracting effects." Advertising often runs on television during the evenings and at night, and there have been email and postal advertisements for gambling during major sporting events, Krause said. Clients at his counseling center are consistently triggered by the advertising, increasing the risk of relapse. The goal should be to make gambling advertising less enticing.
The Diakonie Jerichower Land - Magdeburg's petition calls for improving the visibility and legibility of mandatory warning labels in gambling advertisements, citing the difficulty in reading small font and distracting effects as current issues. Advertisers, despite being obligated to include risk warnings, often fail to make these inserts noticeable in their promotions, which can trigger clients at counseling centers and increase the risk of relapse.
