The Hessian State Office for Addiction Issues (HLS) is calling for changes to the planned Gambling Act, which will apply in the country from July. "It is to be expected that the risk of addiction will increase through the expansion of the offer," said managing director Susanne Schmitt of the German press agency. Above all, the project in the draft law to allow lottery acceptance points in future also in arcades, betting offices and restaurants, criticizes the state office. It is to be feared that more people will come into contact with slot machines and other games of chance where the risk of addiction is higher than with the “6 out of 49” lottery.

There is also a contradiction: Alcohol is forbidden in betting agencies for good reason, because it disinhibits and reduces self-control when gambling.

Lotto should now also be able to be played in restaurants - where alcohol is served.

And Lotto also have offers such as scratch cards, number lotteries and sports betting, where the potential for addiction is greater.

“Gambling is risky and must not be played down.

It shouldn't give the impression that it is part of everyday life, ”said Schmitt.

In effect from July

The previous Hessian Gambling Act was limited in time and should come into force in its new form on July 1st after it has been passed in the state parliament. The same date applies to the new, nationwide gambling treaty, which, according to Interior Minister Peter Beuth (CDU), is intended to strengthen the protection of players and minors. In February, after the adoption in the state parliament, the minister referred to a player blocking system that spanned all providers and forms of play. The new state treaty also allows online gambling throughout Germany in order to curb the black market.

But this legalization of online poker and roulette on the Internet also leads to a higher risk of addiction, according to the HLS experts.

"Online gambling is possible around the clock and anywhere with a smartphone," said Schmitt.

At the same time, there is no social control, because there is no need to go to the amusement arcade.

Advertising for online gambling should be strictly prohibited.

The planned advertising ban for games of chance on television must apply at least until 11 p.m. and not only until 9 p.m. as planned.

State gambling authority

There is also criticism that the planned joint gaming authority of the federal states, which is supposed to exercise a control function, is still being set up.

It is doubtful that the authority will be fully operational from July, said Schmitt.

The HLS managing director suggested using the expected additional income to increase the funds for prevention and advice on gambling addiction. The state of Hesse pays one million euros per year for this. The state office currently assumes around 31,000 people in the country who suffer from gambling addiction. In addition, there are numerous other indirectly affected people, such as family members. Schmitt said they could also contact one of the 15 advice centers in Hesse anonymously and free of charge.