Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has released a report on online and land-based gambling in Germany, highlighting a significant increase in problematic gaming behavior.
The study estimates that 8% of the 18-70 age group in Germany are addicted to gambling, a sharp rise from the previous figure of 0.7% reported in 2019.
However, there are concerns over the validity of the report, with critics questioning the methodology and transparency of the study.
The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has raised doubts over the sudden increase in gambling addiction susceptibility, especially as the regulated gambling industry’s turnover has remained stable.
As a result of the controversy surrounding the report, there are doubts over whether it can support any changes to gambling regulations in Germany.
