Urgent appeal to politicians
Graz (OTS) –
Austria is the only country in the EU where sports betting is not legally treated as gambling. This has a negative impact on player protection measures, taxation and advertising requirements.
We, an Austria-wide platform consisting of organizations from the areas of addiction prevention and coordination, self-help groups and outpatient and inpatient addiction support facilities, have written an open letter. Under the title “Sports Betting = Gambling”, the letter is addressed to political decision-makers and calls on them to take immediate action. The open letter is available online at: www.fachstelle-gluecksspielsucht.at/
Sports betting is undisputedly considered gambling due to its random nature and the use of money. Extensive research results(1) clearly demonstrate the high addictive potential of sports betting and the associated serious negative effects such as financial ruin, psychological stress and social discord. The sharp increase in betting stakes reflects the uncontrolled trend and has been proven to lead to a dramatic increase in gambling addiction problems, as current treatment data shows. In addition, major football events such as the European Championships or the World Cup have a significant influence on betting behavior and contribute to the increased risk of long-term problems and gambling addiction. The intensive advertising surrounding these events and the associated high emotionality increase the risk of problematic betting behavior, especially among young men.(2)
(1) Source: see open letter
(2) International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction (2023) 21:3076–3102 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00775-4
Our demands:
1. Sports betting should be recognized as a game of chance and regulated by law to ensure appropriate rules and consumer protection. This also includes taxation that corresponds to the classification as gambling.
2. Restriction measures: Introduction of reliable age verification systems and cross-sector protection systems with fixed loss and time limits as well as the creation of an Austria-wide and/or EU-wide blocked register.
3. Regulation of advertising: Strict restrictions on advertising to curb problem gambling behavior and protect young people in particular. This includes clear audience restrictions, broadcast times and transparent warnings about the risks of gambling.
4. Appropriation of tax revenue: The revenue from the taxation of sports betting should be used for measures to prevent and treat gambling and betting addiction, as well as to promote sport.
5. Inclusion of gambling experts in committees and advisory boards for cooperation and coordination in addiction treatment and updating gambling topics in addiction policy plans and strategies.
The increasing prevalence of problem gambling behavior and gambling addiction in connection with sports betting requires an immediate and decisive political response. Only by implementing comprehensive and strict regulatory measures and ensuring rigorous player protection can the negative effects of gambling be contained and the well-being of our society secured.
We therefore call on political decision-makers to immediately take the contents of this open letter into account and to work urgently to implement the required measures.
Questions & Contact:
Specialist office for gambling addiction in Styria
c/o bas Styrian Society for Addiction Issues
Dr. Monika Lierzer
Dreihackengasse 1, 8020 Graz
Stmk health fund
Tel.: +43664-9643692
Email: monika.lierzer@fachstelle-gluecksspielsucht.at
www.fachstelle-gluecksspielsucht.at
www.wette-glueck.at
www.facebook.com/fachstelle.gluecksspielsucht/www.instagram.com/fachstelle.gluecksspielsucht/