Professional in gambling studies, Dr. Tobias Hayer, discusses sports betting addictions, associated stigmas, and deposit restrictions at a renowned German sports club.
Bremen University's Dr. Tobias Hayer, an expert in gambling, brought up the addictive nature of sports betting on the program NDR Sportclub. The segment also delved into the tale of Marco Schmidt, allegedly losing a substantial 250,000 euros on sports bets and now working to spread awareness.
Most individuals are not prone to gambling addiction
During the discussion, Hayer emphasized that many people do not engage in problematic gambling, without providing specific statistics.
However, the minority battling gambling addiction encounters significant risks, further exacerbated by society's stigma towards the issue. Often, people may not even recognize if someone close to them is grappling with a gambling addiction.
Frequently, the advice given is for the addict to "just quit". According to Hayer, however, this misunderstands the complex nature of gambling addiction as a significant psychological concern.
Additionally, the Gaming Control Authority of the States (GGL) has acknowledged this challenge, aiming for closer collaboration with gambling addiction organizations.
Marco Schmidt's Story
The show also featured the gambling addiction of Marco Schmidt (35), who is said to have lost approximately 250,000 euros on sports bets. Over time, he started betting on games he lacked knowledge about. He even resorted to criminal activities to fund his betting addiction.
Shockingly, Schmidt does not blame the sports betting companies, but attributes the issue to himself:
I blame myself, not Tipico or any other sports betting provider, but I want to share this story with as many people as possible and raise awareness. – Marco Schmidt, former gambling addict, source: NDR
Unlike some gambling experts who advocate for a ban on sports betting advertisements, Schmidt advocates for educating the players instead. He established the Sport statt Straße e.V. association for this purpose.
"Do you have a hobby that costs 1,000 euros a month?"
Throughout the interview, potential regulatory measures were briefly touched upon. The host inquired if German gambling regulations helped limit the financial risk for gambling addicts.
In Hayer's view, the 1,000 euro monthly deposit limit set by the State Treaty on Gambling is an initial step in the right direction. However, he pointed out that players could still potentially wager large sums of money monthly.
To clarify this figure, he questioned the host if she had a hobby that cost 1,000 euros a month and carried addiction risks. The host, expectedly, responded in the negative.
Subsequently, the interview concluded without further exploring concrete ways to assist gambling addicts or sensible regulatory interventions.
In response to the discussion about gambling addiction, Hayer mentioned that the Gaming Control Authority of the States (GGL) is aiming for closer collaboration with gambling addiction organizations to address this issue. (Gaming Control Authority, collaboration)
Marco Schmidt, the former gambling addict who lost a substantial 250,000 euros, advocates for educating players instead of calling for a ban on sports betting advertisements. (Schmidt, education, players)
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