Growing Support for Gambling Addiction Counseling Network in Saxony-Anhalt
Expanded Support Highway for Gambling Dependence - Expanding web of therapies for gambling dependencies
Move over, Magdeburg! The scene is shifting as the network of support for gambling addicts and their families expands in Saxony-Anhalt. As of May 1, a state coordinating office for gambling addiction was formed, complete with four focal points in Magdeburg, Stendal, Dessau-Roßlau, and Halle.
Helga Meeßen-Hühne, head of the state office for addiction issues, sighed, "While the coordinating office is a significant step forward, we're still lacking a focal point for addicts in Halberstadt."
Many affected individuals face some serious financial burdens. In Dessau-Roßlau, a counseling center for pathological gambling has been operating since February 2021, addressing 239 individuals and counting. But make no mistake, it's not just about the numbers—it's about the people behind them who are struggling finically, often wrestling with debt that's become insurmountable.
The regional focal point of Caritas in Stendal has seen a doubling of directly affected individuals—up to 42, with 22 family members seeking support. Stefan Zowislo, spokesman for the Caritas association for the diocese of Magdeburg, shared, "The struggles can be fierce, as many have already had their access to games blocked and have sought debt counseling."
Counseling centers are the lifeline for those in need. In the oldest gambling addiction center in the state, located in Magdeburg, the numbers have stagnated, with 83 clients counseled and a total of 379 sessions in 2024. Daniel Krause, the addiction counselor, admitted that the number of people who come forward fluctuates, with quiet phases and busy seasons. "This ebb and flow is partly due to the extent of players’ suffering, which can drive entire families into financial ruin."
"Make no mistake, there are still arcade players out there, but they make up just a fraction of those seeking help," Daniel cautioned. "The majority of gamblers we see are hooked on sports betting and online casinos—their constant availability and payment options make them irresistible."
And to add fuel to the fire, many of these addicts engage in day trading, buying and selling cryptocurrencies in the hope of profits. The same mechanisms as gambling are at play, but there's no way to block their spending, leaving them helpless.
A problematic gambling behavior can be identified through indicators like:
- Increasing stakes
- Withdrawal-like symptoms, such as restlessness or irritability
- The compulsion to make up for losses
- Debt
- Lying to relatives or others
The Glücksspielatlas Deutschland 2023 reported that approximately 8% of gamblers experience health, financial, or social issues due to participation in slot games, sports betting, and other forms of gambling. In many cases, the consequences are severe enough to destroy families and ruin lives.
In short, the growing counseling network aims to provide much-needed support to those grappling with gambling addiction, offering various interventions—including financial counseling—to help addicts and their families regain control of their lives.
- The state coordinating office for gambling addiction in Saxony-Anhalt, with four focal points in Magdeburg, Stendal, Dessau-Roßlau, and Halle, is an essential step in addressing gambling addiction, but there is still a need for a focal point in Halberstadt.
- The counseling center for pathological gambling in Dessau-Roßlau has assisted 239 individuals, but many struggle financially, often dealing with unmanageable debt.
- Stefan Zowislo, spokesman for the Caritas association for the diocese of Magdeburg, mentioned a doubling of directly affected individuals in the regional focal point of Caritas in Stendal, with 42 individuals and 22 family members seeking support.
- Daniel Krause, the addiction counselor at the oldest gambling addiction center in the state, admitted that the number of people seeking help fluctuates, but the majority of gamblers they see are addicted to sports betting and online casinos, which are always available and offer various payment options.