Frankfurt (dpa/lhe) – The Hessian State Office for Addiction Questions (HLS) calls for significant restrictions on gambling advertising – especially for online gambling. Providers created additional incentives with discounts and high welcome bonuses. “Through these forms of advertising practice, not only adults, but young people are made aware of gambling and online gambling,” announced the HLS on Wednesday (September 28) on the day of action against gambling addiction across Hesse.
“The dangers and risks of online gambling are particularly significant and have serious consequences for children and young people,” the experts warned and advocated only allowing advertising for gambling on television and in social media after 11 p.m. Games of chance that were particularly addictive included virtual slot machines, online poker and online casino games. The digital offers have no blocking times, the social control is missing.
The HLS state coordinator for gambling addiction, Daniela Senger-Hoffmann, warned: “Participating in gambling has never been so easy. Due to the unlimited availability, it is to be feared that more people will take advantage of these online offers in the future.”
People with problematic or pathological gambling behavior can seek help from 15 specialized counseling centers in Hesse. According to the HLS, 200 institutions in the professional field and 550 self-help groups are organized.
