Study: up to 90 % of online advertisements for games of chance illegal

Games of chance seem to be omnipresent, especially on the internet. We are seeing advertisements for sports betting, casinos, and slots in all places. Now a study has revealed that more than 90 % of these measures are illegal. Can that be possible?

It is any way already strange that adverts for games of chance are found in so many areas on the web. At a later hour the social networks are full of such promotions and by downloading an international app which is not so common, one can also be informed about the latest slots in casino XY Upon doing a google search in the context of games of chance several corresponding adverts will come up before the regular results.

Basically, many of these activities are allowed. The initiators of a study about this issue are asking however: May one advertise for these services however? Most games of chance and online measures associated with their announcement and notification are illegal. The investigation was carried out together with a legal firm for gambling legislation.

The results of the study are clear

In general, online advertisements for games of chance are not forbidden. With the introduction of the new State Gambling Act (GlüStV) 2021, online casinos or online gambling halls which hold a licence in accordance with GlüStV may advertise their services or have their services advertised through a partner system.

The mentioned study focuses on those casinos which do not have a German licence. The survey is based on search entries and the corresponding results in common games of chance contexts on Google. Besides this, research was also carried out on Twitch. The results were classified in a simple system of “legal“ and “illegal“.

It is surprising what came out of this very simple system:

• 97.88 % of the sites and the advertisements of these sites which came up in regular search results were classified as illegal.

• According to the study 99.42 % of the adverts, the so-called Ads, which came up before the regular results were illegal.

How does one recognise illegal offers?

For users it is often difficult to distinguish between legal games of chance and the advertisements associated with it from illegal ones. In both cases the layout is very similar and clever marketing formulations quickly give the impression that everything is in order even in the case of shady offers.

Besides, there are also bonus offers, high jackpots or games which are not offered on regulated platforms. They can be strong drawing cards which lead many players to oversee the possible risks.

How can one avoid such cases in a safe way? The answer is relatively easy: making a conscious and exact choice is the key. One should first look at the licensing. When the adverts involve online casinos which are regulated in Curaçao, Costa Rica or other overseas jurisdictions, things are already clear. One should in this case make a detour of the advertised casinos and also not believe any information which is advertised.

Besides the licence issue, the games on offer will often give you a reliable and quick clue. If gamblers from Germany are offered table games, slots with progressive jackpots or live dealer games, the casino is not operating in accordance with the GlüStV 2021.

There are actually several other indications. However, the two orientation approaches mentioned are not enough for a secure classification.

Digression: and what about advertisements for games of chance on TV?

Besides this, there are of course, several gambling advertisements running on TV. Every evening, several private stations inform us about the latest offers of the online casinos. Besides this, there are sponsoring activities of betting providers and game platforms on several sports events which are also seen on TV.

If operators of online gambling halls want to place an ad on TV, they must follow special regulations. A main aspect is that they point out the danger of addiction.

Clearly prohibited are advertisements which contain the following:

• False, inconsistent, or misleading details.

• Highly attractive wins.

• They give an impression of time constraints.

• Encouraging statements to compensate for losses through new investments.

• The suggestion that one can have a better financial situation through games of chance.

• Stating that games of chance are a solution for social or psychosocial problems.

• Endorsing illegal games of chance.

• The motivation to use freely offered games.

• The depiction of children or youth idols.

• The involvement of minors or any another referral to minors.

• Well known components of children or youth programmes.

Conclusion

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/frau-die-bild-zur-wandwand-nimmt-173285/