German health insurance fund DAK-Gesundheit has launched a new gambling awareness course in the state of Saxony-Anhalt for teenagers and young adults aged 14 and older. The course aims to raise awareness of risks in schools, as well as in open and residential child and youth welfare facilities.
DAK-Gesundheit supports the development and implementation of the course materials. The project, commissioned by the Saxony-Anhalt State Agency for Addiction Issues, has already been introduced in Lower Saxony and Berlin and is now being rolled out in Saxony-Anhalt. It is expected to be used in schools and youth centres from the second half of 2026.
The need for action is underlined by the Gambling Atlas Germany 2023, published with the Federal Ministry of Health. It found that, depending on the study, between 58% and 82% of young people have already had experience with gambling.
Head of the State Office for Addiction Issues in Saxony-Anhalt Nadine Stephan stated: “I am very pleased that, with the new gambling awareness course, a current and scientifically sound method is now available for schools and youth centres, sports clubs and youth groups in Saxony-Anhalt. The course addresses youth trends and promotes a reflective, low-risk approach to gambling and similar activities.”
The course aims to encourage a critical attitude towards gambling, promote a healthy approach and prevent harmful behaviours from developing.
Participants learn, among other things, the distinction between gambling, simulated gambling and games without gambling elements.
The course was developed in 2012 by the Hamburg State Institute for Teacher Training and School Development and the Addiction Prevention Centre in collaboration with gambling experts from various German states and was subsequently evaluated.
Germany’s Federal Addiction and Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck recently called for stronger action against illegal gambling in the country, arguing that enforcement is currently too weak
