Gambling Addiction

A game of chance is a game in which money is wagered and the winnings are determined exclusively or predominantly by chance. This includes, for example, slot machines, casino games, lotteries, sports betting and card games. However, winning hotlines or highly speculative stock market transactions also have the character of gambling. Compulsive gambling, also known as gambling addiction, is officially recognized by the WHO as a disease that can be successfully treated.

Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction can be diverse and vary from person to person. However, some common signs may include the following:

1. The person spends increasing amounts of time and money gambling. 
2. There is a loss of control and an increasing need to bet higher amounts or gamble for longer periods of time.
3. There are several unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling.
4. The person shows irritability or restlessness when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
5. Gambling is often used as an escape from problems or to relieve bad feelings.
6. Despite the negative consequences, such as money worries or ruined relationships, gambling continues.
7. There is the so-called "chasing" of losses, i.e. continuing to gamble in order to win back previous gambling debts.
8. The person neglects their work, education, family, friends or hobbies because of gambling. 
9. The person lies to hide the extent of their gambling.

If you or someone you know shows several of these symptoms, please contact a counseling center.
 

Gambling addiction is a serious illness, but with help and support, recovery is possible.

1. Information

   Gambling addiction  counseling informs those affected and their relatives about the disease, its causes, symptoms and consequences. 

2. Diagnosis and assessment

   It helps with the diagnosis of gambling addiction and provides an assessment of the severity of the addiction. 

3. Support

   It offers emotional support and practical advice for those affected and their families. 

4. Therapy planning

   In cooperation with those affected, the gambling addiction counseling service draws up individual treatment and rehabilitation plans.

5. Referral to specialized treatment services

   The counseling center can refer those affected to suitable therapists, self-help groups or rehabilitation centers and accompanies them throughout the entire treatment process.

6. Prevention and education

   It carries out preventative measures and provides information about the risks and effects of gambling addiction.

7. Support for relatives

   The counseling center offers support to relatives and helps them to deal with the situation and support those affected.

8. Aftercare

   After therapy, the gambling addiction counseling service supports those affected in reintegrating into life without gambling and helps them to deal with possible relapses.

You do not need to bring any documents with you to the initial consultation. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your previous experiences and habits with gambling during the initial consultation.

• As part of addiction counseling, you will discuss with a specialist how excessively and with what consequences you currently use games of chance. 
• You will be asked questions about your current circumstances so that you can receive individual advice. 
• The next step is to find out how motivated you are to change your current situation and what goals you are pursuing with regard to your gambling behavior. 
• During the consultation, you will be shown what options there are for overcoming your addiction, for example by arranging addiction treatment, therapy places or self-help groups. 
   

Important: The people with whom you have contact in the context of addiction counseling are subject to legal confidentiality.

Addiction counseling is usually free of charge if you go to a public counseling center. Psychosocial services are also usually free of charge, as the counseling centers are usually financed by municipalities, cities and federal states, or they belong to a church or charity.

As gambling addiction is officially recognized as an illness, the costs for subsequent therapeutic treatment are paid by health insurance companies and pension insurance providers.

So-called medical rehabilitation services. This is normally paid for by the pension insurance funds. If this is not the case, the health insurance fund or social welfare provider can step in. The person advising you will help you apply for rehabilitation benefits.

Aftercare is financed by the pension insurance or health insurance fund.

In Germany, addiction counselling services where you can receive support can be found in almost every town and city. There are also a number of different online services (see links below) and hotlines.

• The gambling addiction hotline provided by the Federal Centre for Health Education (free of charge): +49 (0)800 1 37 27 00
• Telefonseelsorge (free counselling hotline): +49 (0)800 – 111 0 111 or +49 (0)800 – 111 0 222

Most counselling services also offer counselling for affected family members and friends. If you suspect that someone you know could be suffering from gambling addiction, you can find more information here.

Addiction counselling is usually anonymous. If you would like to make sure you will remain anonymous, simply call your counselling service and ask them.

There is a particularly high level of risk involved if gambling is easily accessible or if people gamble to distract themselves from problems and conflicts or regain previous losses. Any form of gambling can lead to an addiction, with corresponding health-related or financial implications. In most cases, gambling addiction is a gradual process that is encouraged by certain characteristics of games of chance.

• Rapid sequences of games and wins increase the buzz of gambling and minimise the time in which the gambler experiences losses.
• Games of chance that can be repeated without interruption fixate the gambler’s attention on the game and lead to disassociation from the gambler’s surroundings.
• Short withdrawal intervals also entice gamblers to re-invest their winnings into further gambling.
• If gamblers can actively “intervene” in the game of chance (e.g. by pressing a stop or risk button), the impression is created that they can affect the outcome.
• Near misses (e.g. if the gambler achieves two of the three outcomes required for the win) raise the hope of winning the game the next time.
• Simple methods of payment, or in the case of games played using chips or paid for by credit card, result in gamblers quickly losing track of the amount of money they are gambling.
• Large prizes in casinos or jackpots on the lottery also give games of chance additional appeal.

If you are in financial difficulties due to frequent gambling and cannot see a way out, debt counselling can offer support. Debt counselling is available to everyone, even if you are not yet in debt and are only at risk of financial difficulties.

Here you can find out all you need to know about debt, together with links to your local advice centre.

There are a number of options after counselling. Ideally, during your counselling, your counsellor will have informed you about a number of ways in which you can receive support. Treatment can involve a combination of medical, psychological and sociotherapeutic measures. You may have decided in the course of your counselling that a self-help group or therapy is the right step for you. Outpatient and inpatient therapy is available, as well as treatment in day-care hospitals.

Remember, you are not being forced to do anything. Anything you decide to do is entirely voluntary!

The long-term aim of the treatment is to be able to distance yourself from gambling. “Controlled gambling” is not a realistic target in most cases, as gambling addiction is a chronic illness that can quickly lead to relapses and repeated loss of control.

First and foremost, addiction counselling services are there to provide advice. Your counsellor will outline to you which measures are suitable for you, issue recommendations for support and also establish contact to self-help groups if necessary. You can enquire about what counselling services offer by contacting them by telephone or during the initial session.

Counsellors will not force you to do anything; counselling is all about you obtaining more information. The aim of this counselling is for the counsellor and you to determine together what support you need.