Addiction Commissioner Mortler criticizes DAW's campaign aiming to help people abstain from alcohol.
The Drug Commissioner of Germany's Federal Republic, Marlene Mortler (CSU), has criticized a nationwide Fair Play campaign by the country's Automatic Industry Association (DAW). The campaign showcases football star Bastian Schweinsteiger as its main voice, with a one-minute promotional film featuring him. Mortler isn't impressed:
"Pretty images and empty promises aren't enough," she remarks. Mortler criticizes the German Automatic Industry for using Schweinsteiger, a 34-year-old former world champion, as their face and seemingly downplays the seriousness of the issue. Mortler elaborates on the industry's concerns:
"If the German Automatic Industry is as significant as it seems to be with this current campaign, then it ought to be taken more seriously. The player and youth protection issues present at many locations remain worrying."
This black-and-white, marketed as "We Play Fair," clip premiered on October 17 before a gathering of 1,000 audience members prior to the new Detlev Buck film "Wuff." The film depicts backyard playgrounds, training sessions, and exciting match scenes. It traces Schweinsteiger's life, emphasizing his career.
He tours a gaming hall in the movie and mentions:
"What's so enchanting about the game itself is how simple it is - just a few rules are required. Of course, it's always about winning or losing. However, the crucial thing is to play fairly, regardless of the game or setting. Hence, we need legal gaming halls, and you can recognize them by these five key characteristics."
Listed below the screen are the following rules: age restrictions of 18 or above, no alcohol, trained staff, player protection, and quality testing.
The campaign, viewed in cinemas for six consecutive weeks, will showcase 482 times, with nearly 700 TV commercials planned. It's also available on YouTube and print formats in political magazines, featuring 3,500 posters. This considerable push has some immediate aims.
Gaming Industry Under Pressure
The German gaming hall operators have faced increasing pressure, and this campaign may well be the industry's response. While the industry's financial figures, as reported by the Schleswig-Holstein news portal SHZ, have only "barely declined," the changes in state regulations are striking.
Particularly the 350-meter distance rule is unsettling many states. Some venue operators have filed lawsuits in response to planned venue closures.
In Duisburg, the Ruhr area city, we have several collective lawsuits. Moreover, Gauselmann, the 84-year-old CEO of the Gauselmann Group, referred to as Germany's 'gaming millionaire' and the head of the Federation of the German Automatic Industry e.V, has been new Düsseldorf's primary sponsor since July. As a mainstay of German football and the gaming industry, Gauselmann has a history of advocating for equitable gaming laws, saying, "Regardless of whether it's a gaming hall or an online casino, every form of gambling should have 'suitable framework conditions'."
Taking aim at German's state-based gambling regulations, FinanzNachrichten.de quotes Gauselmann: "We anticipate a consistently regulated, i.e., balanced approach to gambling laws across the board, including our industry."
Despite significant discontentment, restrictions are coming into force from November 11: maximum winnings on slot machines decrease to €400, the maximum loss-risk level per spin will be set at €60. Additionally, pause mechanisms and a ban on simultaneous play are being considered. Permanent staff cards are required for machine operation.
"Where gambling starts for many, it's not often viewed critically," states Federal Drug Commissioner Mortler, emphasizing strictness over coordination. Even a legend like Schweinsteiger may not fully endorse the stricter regulation plans of the politician. The future of the gaming industry, especially concerning online gambling, remains unknown.
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