Overview

• Latest estimates cite about 1.4 million adults with gambling addiction and a further 3.5 million showing risky behavior, underscoring the scale reported for 2023.
• Federal addiction commissioner Hendrik Streeck calls gambling disorder one of the most common addictions and urges tougher youth and player protection, better prevention, and improved data.
• Researchers report a record €63.5 billion in legal gambling revenue generating €6.6 billion in taxes, heightening concern over public-health costs versus fiscal gains.
• Experts estimate roughly 600,000 children live with at least one gambling-addicted parent, with documented neglect, mental-health strain, school problems, and long delays in families seeking help.
• Online play is flagged as especially high-risk because constant mobile access, cashless payments, and anonymity lower barriers, while advocates stress treatment can work but relapse risk persists.