Germany Warns of Misconceptions Regarding Compulsive Gambling (DSWV)
Introducing a fresh take on the hot topic, let's set the record straight about those controversial claims regarding the surge in problem gamblers in Germany. The Deutsche Sportwettenverband (DSWV), Germany's sports betting association, has lashed out at the media, calling out their alleged misinterpretation of the results from the 2021 Gambling Survey.
The crux of the issue revolves around the representation of the number of problem gamblers, with multiple news outlets suggesting a whopping increase from 400,000 to 1.4 million. However, the DSWV calls these claims unfounded. The association's president, Mathias Dahms, makes it clear: "The DSWV welcomes a data- and fact-based discussion on gaming behavior in Germany. However, deductions must hold up and rely on verified facts."
The 2021 Gambling Study, according to the DSWV, is more of a starting point. Although it was conducted by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research (ISD), its comparability with previous surveys is limited due to a change in the methodology. In other words, any like-for-like comparisons could be misleading.
Moreover, the DSWV specifically criticizes those who jumped to conclusions about the impact of the Interstate Gambling Treaty, which came into effect in 2021, based on the results from this initial survey. The association points out that a reliable analysis should take all stakeholders' experience into account and wait until the evaluation planned for the end of 2026.
In summary, while we appreciate an open discussion about gambling in Germany, it's crucial to ensure that evaluations and deductions are grounded in facts. The claim of a significant increase in problem gambling since the implementation of the Interstate Gambling Treaty has yet to be substantiated with reliable evidence. Stay tuned for further updates!
- The Deutsche Sportwettenverband (DSWV) has refuted allegations of a dramatic increase in problem gamblers in Germany, stating that the 2021 Gambling Survey's results have been misinterpreted by certain media outlets.
- Contrary to some news reports suggesting a rise from 400,000 to 1.4 million problem gamblers, the DSWV president, Mathias Dahms, emphasizes that any conclusions must be based on verified facts and proper derivations.
- The DSWV has criticized those who concluded that the Interstate Gambling Treaty, implemented in 2021, led to a surge in problem gambling, arguing that a comprehensive analysis should consider all stakeholders' experience and await the scheduled evaluation in 2026.
