Brandenburg agency calls for stricter gambling advertising bans

The Brandenburg State Agency for Addiction Issues has called for stricter regulations on gambling advertising to better protect citizens. According to the agency, approximately 56,000 adults in Brandenburg suffer from gambling addiction, while an additional 140,000 engage in risky gambling behavior.

The agency argues that current advertising allowances contradict public health goals. Proposed restrictions include banning gambling sponsorship in sports, prohibiting the advertising of umbrella brands at sporting events, and limiting social media advertising to factual information only. While the Interstate Treaty on Gambling regulates certain aspects—such as prohibiting advertising to minors and restricting online casino ads during specific hours—the agency maintains that more comprehensive measures are necessary.

In a broader context, estimates suggest that two out of every 100 adults in Germany experience problematic gambling behavior. Support services, such as the Federal Centre for Health Education, are available for those seeking help with gambling-related issues.