Ewald Lochner, coordinator for psychiatry, addiction and drug issues of the City of Vienna, and Lisa Brunner, president of the Austrian Working Association for the Prevention of Addiction (ARGE Suchtprävention), warned that sports betting is often presented as harmless entertainment associated with sports events, although numerous studies indicate a high risk of developing addiction.
As they state, the consequences of problematic betting can be serious and include financial problems, damaged family and social relationships, difficulties at work or during schooling, as well as psychological problems.
Online betting carries a particularly high risk, which is available at any time and enables quick and frequent investment of money.
– Many people overestimate the impact of their own sports knowledge on the possibility of winning. Such an illusion of control can encourage the development of problematic behavior and increase the risk of addiction – said Lochner.
Of additional concern are major sporting events such as the World Cup, during which the public is exposed to intense marketing campaigns by betting companies. Advertisements, sponsorships and promotional activities contribute to the fact that sports betting is increasingly perceived as an integral part of the fan experience.
Experts warn that new activities related to the World Cup in 2026 could further strengthen that trend. Namely, FIFA plans to make official data from the matches available to licensed bookmakers, while it will be possible to follow certain matches through their platforms.
Brunner points out that research has shown for years how advertising can influence betting habits, especially among young people and other vulnerable groups.
– The more sports bets are present during major sports events, the more society perceives them as something normal and acceptable – she warned.
Representatives of the City of Vienna and the ARGE community believe that the existing legal framework in Austria does not provide sufficient protection for citizens. They point out that sports betting in Austria, with certain exceptions, is not treated as a classic form of gambling, which affects advertising rules and player protection.
In their opinion, such an approach is not in accordance with scientific knowledge that shows that sports betting is largely dependent on chance and carries a high risk of developing addiction.
Lochner stressed that gambling addiction should not be underestimated because it can leave serious consequences on an individual’s life.
– This is a serious mental disorder that requires professional help and treatment – he said.
Austrian experts called for greater investments in prevention, education of citizens and improvement of legal solutions that would monitor the development of the sports betting market and ensure better protection of players, especially young ones.
People who notice that they are losing control over betting or are worried about a family member are recommended to seek professional help as soon as possible in order to prevent more serious consequences of addiction, WH International Services GmbH said.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
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