The main objective in the fight against gambling addiction in Germany is that adolescents do not get caught up in gambling activities. As a result, the presence of gambling halls in Rhineland-Palatinate will be limited from 1st July 2021.
Various studies assume that there are between 100,000 and 300,000 pathological gamblers in Germany. As a preventive measure, gambling halls within 500 meters of youth facilities are prohibited. Teenagers are very responsive to rewards such as minor winnings, or rapidly achievable winnings. It is assumed that the sooner a person has contact with gambling during their life, the higher the likelihood of later gambling addiction.
The transition period granted to gambling firms in the country, determined in the Gambling Treaty of 2012, is coming to an end. But the gambling industry hopes for changes by the legislature. By the end of January, 24 operators had already filed opposition to the decisions to close venues.
Full article: Pfälzischer Merkur (German)
