For most fans, the appeal of poker lies in the subtle interplay of strategy, skill, psychological strength and patience. Those who are well-positioned in these areas and understand the dynamics of the classic card game can not only achieve exciting successes, but also rake in considerable winnings. However, as in so many areas of life, digital technologies are ensuring that human skill is no longer as important as it used to be. In fact, so-called poker bots now offer active support that massively increases your own chances. The organised use of such software is expected to increase.
The big dream of every lottery player is to hit the jackpot once and then be set for life. When the time really comes (or seems to come), the enormous joy and amazement of hitting the jackpot can cause even the most rational gambler to lose their mind. It is precisely this exceptional situation that fraudsters are currently increasingly exploiting. In a particularly serious case that recently occurred in Baden-Württemberg, criminals scammed a whopping 30,000 euros!
A few days ago, two armed robbers held up an amusement arcade in North Rhine-Westphalia. A pistol was also used during the robbery. The police are now searching for the fugitives. But how much loot did the robbers make and what punishment can they expect if they are caught?
The Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states, GGL for short, was founded to ensure the protection of minors and players and to protect players from gambling addiction. But how well are potentially vulnerable players protected from problematic gambling behaviour in licensed online casinos?
Criminals are increasingly advertising fraudulent casino apps on social media. They promise users above-average bonuses, secure winnings or special games. But only the criminals can win with these dubious apps. But why is it even possible for criminals to advertise fraudulent casino apps on Facebook, Instagram and Co. advertise fraudulent casino apps?
The OASIS gambling ban is a central element in the endeavour to promote responsible gambling in Germany. The ‘online player status enquiry’ checks in real time before the game starts whether the player in question is currently banned or not. The respective game can only be started once the online enquiry has been successfully completed. But how well does the nationwide ban file work in practice?
Gambling is an exciting thing: for most gamblers, it's not just about the chance to win (big) prizes, but also about the thrill of (working towards) success. This thrill was recently the undoing of a man in a Singapore casino. After he had managed to hit a jackpot worth millions, he collapsed: Heart attack. To make matters worse, bystanders filmed the incident and posted the videos on the internet.
According to study data from the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), around 430,000 people in Germany are affected by problematic gambling behaviour or a gambling addiction. So far, young male adults up to the age of 25 have been among the largest risk group. Researcher Dr Tobias Hayer has published a book entitled ‘Glücksspielprobleme im Alter’ (Gambling problems in old age) with new and exciting findings.
For many gambling enthusiasts, the legal gambling market is currently not really attractive. The strict player protection measures such as the minimum playing time of five seconds or the autospin ban often restrict slot fans. However, the black market is becoming increasingly ‘dangerous’ for casino players. Why? Quite simply, more and more banks and payment service providers are reporting suspicious gambling transactions to the police.
Online gambling can be an entertaining and exciting pastime for young and old alike. However, in order to have lasting fun playing with real money, gamblers should also know when to stop. After all, it's no coincidence that self-discipline is one of the most important skills you should bring to this "hobby". But when is the right time to cash out your casino winnings and end the game?
The BZgA offers interested parties various options for obtaining counselling on gambling or specific help with problems. All services are free of charge, which is made possible not least by broad support from the gambling industry. It was recently announced that the cooperation and financial commitment will be extended.
A study on gambling addiction published by the Federal Ministry of Health at the end of 2023 raises more and more questions. According to the study, the number of gambling addicts in Germany is said to have tripled within a very short period of time. The number of people with "problematic gambling behaviour" is even said to have increased tenfold. More and more politicians and experts are now questioning the results of the study.
A few weeks ago, ZDF broadcast a report entitled "Gambling to the point of bankruptcy". The report focused on the risks and consequences of gambling. It is striking that the 30-minute programme takes a particularly critical view of the subject. Is it still worth watching in the ZDF media library?
Last Tuesday (23 January) a documentary about gambling addiction was broadcast on ZDF. The 20-minute programme is about 23-year-old Defne, who became addicted to gambling at the tender age of 19. At the height of her addiction, she lost around 100,000 euros in an online casino in just one night. But how did this lovely young woman lose so much money at such a young age, and how is she doing now?
Illegal gambling seems to be a much-discussed topic more than ever since the State Treaty on Gambling came into force in 2021. Indeed, it has become clear over time that a huge number of Germans continue to access such services, especially online. For most people, the legal risks of using such services are apparently not worth mentioning. However, several media have now reported on the increasing number of prosecutions. What is the reason for this?
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