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. The compulsive playing of these games, 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:

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 agitation when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
5. Gambling is often used as an escape from problems or to relieve bad feelings.
6. Gambling continues despite the negative consequences, such as money worries or ruined relationships.
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 exhibits several of these symptoms, please contact a Counseling Center.

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

1. Counseling and information

   The gambling addiction counseling service informs those affected and their relatives about the effects and possible treatment methods of gambling addiction.

2. Diagnosis and assessment

   It helps with the diagnosis and assessment of gambling addiction, offers screening tools and can refer people to specialized services if necessary.

3. Support

   The advice centre is an important point of contact for emotional support and assistance while coping with the addiction.

4. Program planning

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

5. Finding specialized therapy services

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

6. Prevention and education

   It carries out preventative measures and educates people about the risks and effects of gambling addiction.

7. Support for relatives

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

8. Aftercare

   After therapy, gambling addiction counseling supports those affected in reintegrating into life without gambling and helps them 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.

• During an addiction consultation, you will discuss with an expert how excessively you currently use games of chance and what the consequences are.
• 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 are available to overcome the addiction, for example by arranging addiction treatment, therapy places or self-help groups.

Important: The people with whom you have contact as part of addiction counseling are subject to a legal duty of confidentiality.

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

Since gambling addiction is officially recognized as a disease, the costs for subsequent therapeutic treatment are paid by health insurance companies and pension insurance providers.

So-called medical rehabilitation services. Pension insurance companies normally pay for this. If this is not the case, the health insurance fund or social welfare provider can step in. The counselor will help you apply for the rehabilitation benefit.

The aftercare is financed by the pension insurance or health insurance fund.

In Germany, there are addiction counseling centers in almost every city where you can get help if you are affected. There are also online services (see links below) as well as the option of telephone counseling.

• Telephone counseling on gambling from the Federal Centre for Health Education (free of charge): 0800 1 37 27 00
• Phone counseling (free of charge): 0800 - 111 0 111 or 0800 - 111 0 222

Most counseling centers also offer counseling sessions for relatives, friends and family. If you suspect that someone close to you may be suffering from a gambling addiction, you can find more information here.

As a rule, addiction counseling sessions are anonymous. If you want to be sure, call the counseling center of your choice in advance and ask.

When gambling is easily accessible or is played to distract oneself from problems and conflicts or to win back lost money, the potential danger is particularly high. Any type of gambling can lead to addiction with health or financial consequences. In most cases, this is a gradual process that is encouraged by certain characteristics of gambling:

• Fast successions of games and winnings increase the thrill and reduce the time span of the experience of loss.
• Gambling games that can be played without interruption encourage players to focus on the game and block out their reality
• Short payout intervals tempt them to use the money they have won straight away.
• The active participation of players (for example by pressing a stop or risk button) suggests that they can influence the outcome of the game.
• "Fast wins" (for example, displaying two of the three symbols required to win) increase the hope that the next game will yield a real win.
• With simple payment options, stakes in the form of tokens or payments by credit card, players quickly lose track of the amount wagered.
• High winnings in casinos or the lottery jackpot make participation in games of chance even more attractive.

If frequent gambling has put you in a financial emergency that you can no longer get out of on your own, debt counseling can help you. In principle, anyone can take advantage of this. This also applies if you are not yet over-indebted but are threatened by financial hardship.

Here you will find all the information you need on the subject of debt and links to advice centers in your area.

After the consultation, there are various options. Ideally, the counselor will have already identified the most suitable help options for you during the consultation. Treatment can combine medical, psychological and sociotherapeutic measures. During the consultation, you may also have discovered that a self-help group or therapy would be the next step for you. There are outpatient therapies, treatments in day clinics (all-day outpatient) or inpatient therapies.

Important: You will not be forced to do anything, all steps you decide to take are voluntary!

The long-term goal of treatment is to gain distance from gambling. In most cases, "controlled gambling" is not a realistic goal, as gambling addiction is a chronic disease that can quickly lead to relapses and a renewed loss of control.

Addiction counseling centers primarily have an advisory function: your counselor will show you which measures are suitable for you, make recommendations for offers of help and, if necessary, put you in touch with a self-help group. You can find out what specific options your advice center offers over the phone or during your initial consultation.

The addiction counselor cannot and will not force you to do anything, as this is counseling. The aim of this counseling is to find a way to help you together.