21st Symposium on Gambling: GGL Highlights the Importance of Conducting Comprehensive Studies on Gambling Behavior
At the University of Hohenheim, the 21st Gambling Research Convention occurred from March 12 to 13, 2024. The gathering showcased the present status of gambling research, with the Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL) underlining the immediate need for intervention in this domain.
GGL Lauds Progress but Plans More Study Commissions
During the event, numerous specialists spoke and there were discussion panels addressing the present state of gambling research, as per the official schedule.
Particular focus was given to GGL board member Ronald Benter, who, alongside Dr. Dietmar Barth, represented the gaming authority. According to gambling trade magazine AutomatenMarkt, Benter initially celebrated the advancements in research and emphasized its significance:
Research findings serve as the foundation for political and societal debates. Regulatory requirements must stem from numbers and facts. A substantial portion of our duties as a regulatory body entails encouraging and initiating gambling research. We have already made significant strides in this regard, despite the relatively young age of our authority.– Ronald Benter, GGL board member, source: AutomatenMarkt**
However, the representatives pointed out that further research is still necessary. The GGL has allocated a budget of 1.39 million euros for studies with additional studies being planned.
These studies will tackle various gambling-related aspects, such as player protection online, gambling advertising, and examining the black market. The latter is considered crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the State Gaming Treaty 2021.
German Gambling Studies Under Fire
The Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research (ISD) and the Gambling Research Unit of the University of Bremen unveiled the findings of the Gambling Survey 2023 in early March. However, critics have attacked the research methodology as insufficient, casting doubt on its scientific validity.
Criticism toward the previous Gambling Survey and the Gambling Atlas 2023 arose before the results were published, with the opposition even accusing the Ministry of Health of awarding the commissions under questionable conditions.
A study by the University of Leipzig also discovered the high and even increasing prevalence of illicit gambling in Germany. This stands in stark contrast to GGL's claims of a growing shift of gambling into the legal sector.
Industry, Research, and GGL Need to Align Closer
Given that at least ten organizations are currently engaged in gambling research simultaneously, GGL has highlighted that advancements seem imminent.
Ronald Benter reiterated at the event that they will consider all viewpoints and interests before evaluating the State Gaming Treaty or introducing fresh regulatory measures.
It remains to be seen whether the industry, research, and the gaming authority will converge on shared content or if the seemingly entrenched positions will persist.
The release of the Gambling Survey 2023 by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research (ISD) and the Gambling Research Unit of the University of Bremen sparked debate due to criticism over its research methodology. News of this controversy reached broader audience, impacting the perception of the research's validity.
With criticism emerging about the methodology of previous studies like the Gambling Survey and the Gambling Atlas 2023, the GGL acknowledged the necessity of aligning interests between the industry, research institutions, and the gaming authority. This collaboration could help in evaluating the effectiveness of the State Gaming Treaty 2021 and in combating the persisting prevalence of illicit gambling in the country.
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