Gambling: Is gambling still relevant? A look at tradition, change and risks

Gambling – a source of joy, hope and entertainment for millions of people around the world for centuries – is now at a critical turning point. Traditional casinos are struggling with declining visitor numbers, while online casinos and digital betting platforms are experiencing unstoppable growth. Digital alternatives give a new impetus to gambling: while they make the game closer and more accessible, they also hide risks that are often underestimated. But is gambling still relevant in the digital age? Who else is playing today? And what new challenges are arising?

The importance of gambling in society

Gambling has always played an important role in human culture. From ancient dice games and Roman arenas to the magnificent casinos of Las Vegas and Monaco, gambling has always been present. For many players, it is the joy of the unknown, the joy of winning, that makes gambling so attractive. The social component – the shared experience, the exchange with other players and the atmosphere of casinos – has long been a key part of the experience.

But gambling has changed in the last few decades, mainly due to digitization and the spread of online casinos. Traditional values ​​such as playing together are pushed into the background instead, people play alone from home. This shift to the digital world is reflected in a new form of gambling that relies on the convenience and accessibility of the Internet. While this increases accessibility, the social connections that shaped the gambling experience are often overlooked.

The rise of online casinos: opportunities and risks

Online casinos and digital gambling platforms such as sports betting apps are booming right now. The success of these platforms is based on several factors: they are accessible 24/7, they offer a wide range of games and often have attractive welcome bonuses and discount systems that attract players. The ability to start a game in a few clicks increases the additional attraction. It’s easy to access – a credit card or e-wallet is enough.

But it is precisely these benefits that also lead to an increased risk of addiction. Although in physical casinos there are often time and money restrictions and there is a direct exchange with other players, all this is eliminated in online casinos. Consistent and anonymous access encourages impulsive behavior and unrestricted use. Many platforms rely primarily on psychological mechanisms to keep players in the game longer: targeted rewards, graphics and effects encourage users to continue playing. Such mechanisms are not new, but digital implementations make them more subtle and difficult to understand.

According to studies on gambling addiction, the number of those affected has increased in recent years, which is partly due to online casinos. Younger people who grew up in digital environments and find it easy to use online payment methods are particularly at risk. This has also led to more calls for stricter regulation of online casinos.

Legal governance: A challenge for politics

The regulation of online gambling is a challenge for lawmakers around the world. On the one hand, gambling brings economic benefits, as large sums flow into state coffers through tax revenues and license fees. On the other hand, governments see themselves as responsible for protecting citizens from the dangers of gambling addiction and financial loss.

In Germany, for example, the State Treaty on Gambling was amended in 2021 to legalize online gambling, but under strict conditions. These include, among other things, limits for deposits and bets as well as technical measures to prevent gambling addiction. Online casinos must also comply with measures such as a blackout file in which players at risk can be registered. Such regulations ensure that online casino operators must take a certain level of responsibility.

Despite these measures, monitoring remains difficult. Many providers operate from offshore locations and circumvent national regulations. Digitization and the international network make it easy for players to access illegal platforms where there is no Protective measures there So the challenge remains to provide gambling in a safe and regulated manner that is fair to all involved.

The target groups for gambling: Who is gambling today?

The demographics of gamblers have changed in recent years. While older generations prefer the classic game in the casino or arcade, younger players prefer online casinos and apps. In a survey, many of the young players said that they play mostly because of the convenience and different offers of the digital platforms.

The increasing popularity of mobile devices is also an important factor. In many cases, online casinos and games of chance are now optimized specifically for mobile devices, making the game even more accessible in everyday life. This gives players the opportunity to play a round at lunchtime or on the way to work. This new flexibility is attractive to many, but there is a risk that gambling will be integrated into everyday life and lose its arbitrary appeal.

Interestingly, there has also been an increase in so-called micro-transactions and “in-game gambling” in video games in recent years. Teenagers and young adults especially come into contact with gambling methods at a young age through such games. This type of gambling, in which “loot boxes” or other virtual prizes can be purchased for small amounts of money, is less regulated but still popular – which has led to discussions about the ethics and long-term consequences of these practices.

The psychological aspects of gambling

The appeal of gambling is not only in the potential benefits, but also in the psychological effect of gambling itself. Gambling activates the reward system in the brain and causes the release of dopamine – the same hormone responsible for feelings of happiness. It is this chemical reaction that makes gambling so attractive to many and, in some cases, leads to addiction.

Online casinos enhance this effect by offering quick wins and instant losses. Players risk falling into a “loss spiral” where they try to lose money back. The hope of the next big win keeps them in the game, often to the point where they can’t stop. The anonymity and convenience of online gambling makes this spin even more dangerous.

Conclusion: Is gambling still relevant today?

Gambling is still an integral part of society, but it has fundamentally changed. The online movement and the increasing popularity of online casinos have made gambling more accessible and opened up a new audience. At the same time, this change brings with it challenges that require management and prevention.

While for some gambling is just a recreational activity, for others it becomes a danger. So the relevance of gambling continues, but not only as a form of entertainment, but also as a social and psychological phenomenon that needs to be reconsidered in today’s world. Future developments in regulation and education will be crucial in determining how gambling can continue in the digital world – as a responsible, controlled entertainment or as a potentially dangerous vice.