Gambling Behavior in Germany Remains Largely Constant

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research (ISD) and the Gambling Research Working Unit at the University of Bremen have published the 2023 Gambling Survey under the title “Gambling Participation and Gambling-Related Problems in the Population”. The ISD researchers presented the most important results together with the German Lotto and Totoblock (DLTB) at a press conference on March 6, 2024 in Berlin.

The 12,308 interviews conducted as part of the representative population survey from August 1st to October 16th, 2023 show, among other things, that gambling behavior and gambling-related problems in Germany have remained largely constant compared to the survey in 2021.

“The 2023 Gambling Survey is intended to help further deepen knowledge about the type and intensity of participation in gambling and the problems associated with it. Based on the results of this investigation, player and youth protection measures can be evaluated and, if necessary, improved.”Project manager Dr. Jens Kalke from ISD presenting the results

In addition, the social environment of people with gambling-related problems was examined as part of the 2023 Gambling Survey. Dr. Sven Buth, co-author of the study from ISD, emphasizes:

“Gambling disorders not only represent a significant limitation in the lifestyle and quality of life for those affected. The social environment is also often exposed to considerable financial, social and health burdens that go hand in hand with the illness of the person close to them. In particular, low-threshold advice and help offers should therefore be increasingly developed and implemented for this group of people.”

The study provides important insights for the 16 state lottery companies that form the DLTB. The report also shows a picture of the gambling market as a whole.

“We welcome the establishment of long-term systematic gambling monitoring in order to be able to conduct evidence-based discussions,” explains Axel Holthaus, Managing Director of LOTTO Niedersachsen, the currently leading company in the DLTB. “The study results confirm once again that lotteries such as LOTTO 6aus49 or Eurojackpot pose a significantly lower risk potential than the other forms of gambling surveyed.”

“It is a matter of course for the state lottery companies to educate problem gamblers who take part in several types of gambling nationwide about gambling addiction and to reach them with offers of help.”Dr. Ait Stapelfeld as a member of the AG Player Protection and Prevention in the DLTB

“The high level of acceptance of the player and youth protection measures among the population is also confirmation of the high quality standards of the state lottery companies and at the same time an incentive to continuously develop the comprehensive measures. For over 75 years, we have stood united in achieving the goals in accordance with Section 1 GlüStV 2021, thereby enabling game participants to play an attractive, safe and at the same time responsible game,” continues Stapelfeld.

Further information

Results of the 2023 Gambling Survey