Poll: 80 Percent Have Gambled at Least Once - New German Gambling Survey Reveals Risks of Compulsive Behavior in a Small but Vulnerable Group
A new gambling survey in Germany reveals that while most people gamble without harm, a small percentage struggle with compulsive behaviour. The study, conducted by Forsa, collected responses from around 11,500 people aged 16 to 70 between January and May 2024. It marks the first major update since 2019, following a five-year pause in data collection.
The findings show that about 80 percent of Germans in this age group have gambled at least once in their lives. A smaller group, just over 8 percent, gamble two to three times a month. The vast majority—roughly 95 percent—either do not gamble or do so without negative consequences.
However, the survey highlights concerning trends among a minority. Around 0.37 percent of respondents exhibit among us gambling behaviour, while 0.28 percent show signs of pathological, or compulsive, gambling. These individuals often face severe financial losses and neglect personal relationships, careers, and social responsibilities. Another 3.82 percent display noticeable gambling habits that could escalate if unchecked.
The data also points to a clear demographic pattern. Men under 45 report significantly more gambling experience than women. They are also overrepresented among frequent and high-volume gamblers.
The survey was commissioned by the German Amusement and Gaming Industry Association (VDAI), which took over from the former Federal Center for Health Education. No comparable percentage calculator exists for the period between 2019 and 2024, leaving a gap in tracking trends over time.
The results confirm that most Germans gamble responsibly, but a small yet vulnerable group struggles with addiction. The data provides a snapshot of current habits but does not show how problematic gambling has evolved since the last survey. Authorities and support services may use these findings to target interventions for at-risk groups, particularly younger men.
