The Association of the German Amusement Machine Industry (VDAI) has launched a new website, gluecksspielsurvey.de, where it presents data on gambling behaviour from the 2024 Gambling Survey.
A telephone survey of 11,503 people aged 16 to 70 was conducted by the Forsa Institute on behalf of the association. A new edition of the study series has already been commissioned, and the results are expected to be released in the middle of the year.
According to the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) classification, only 0.37% of respondents were classified as problematic gamblers, while 0.28% were classified as probably pathological gamblers. These figures have remained largely unchanged compared to previous studies. In 2019, the percentages were slightly higher at 0.39% and 0.34%, respectively. More than 95% of respondents fell into the categories of either non-problematic players or those who do not engage in gambling at all.
About 80% of surveyed individuals have participated in gambling at some point in their lives, with 43% having done so in the 12 months leading up to the study. A long-term comparison from 2007 to 2024 indicates a downward trend in gambling participation, although the prevalence in 2024 is slightly higher than it was in 2019.
Slightly more than 8% of respondents reported playing at least two to three times a month. Regarding risk perception, 72% of respondents reported being informed about gambling risks through various sources. Just under a quarter were aware of a counselling centre, while one-tenth knew of a helpline.
The current study is part of a series focusing on gambling behaviour and gambling addiction in Germany, which was conducted every two years from 2007 to 2019 under the guidance of the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA). The VDAI adopted the BZgA’s previous study design, including the questionnaire, methodology, sample size and research institute, to ensure a scientifically reliable continuation of the time series.
In late 2025, Lars Rogge of the VDAI warned that illegal gambling is increasing in Germany and presented a 20-point plan, developed with other industry groups, to direct gambling toward legal channels
