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An Austrian-based gambling addiction support network has called on the government to introduce stricter sports-betting regulations over fears that the current rules hurt player protection measures, taxation and advertising regulations.
The open letter published by the Styrian Gambling Addiction Centre (SGAC) calls for “immediate action” titled “Sports betting = gambling” was published on June 2 and written with the help of a long list of addiction treatment facilities, self-help groups and addiction prevention groups.
“Sports betting is taxed very low in Austria, there is no concession fee, no gambling tax and no sales tax to be paid. There is only an obligation to collect a betting fee of 2 percent when placing a bet,” the letter states.
Austria is the only country in the EU where sports betting is considered a game of skill and not a game of chance.
“The increasing prevalence of problem gambling behaviour and gambling addiction in connection with sports betting requires an immediate and decisive political response. Only by implementing comprehensive and strict regulatory measures and ensuring rigorous player protection can the negative effects of gambling be contained and the well-being of our society be secured,” the SGAC website states.
The addiction support network has five key demands including regulating sports betting and treating it as gambling.
It wants restrictive measures such as new age verification systems, fixed loss and time limits, as well as the creation of an Austria-wide and/or EU-wide self-exclusion register.
Strict restrictions on advertising to curb problem gambling and protect young people, including transparent warnings on adverts and restrictions to what time of day adverts can be broadcast.
Revenues from sports-betting tax should be used for measures to prevent and treat gambling and betting addiction, as well as for the promotion of sport, according to the letter.
Additionally, the SGAC is demanding that gambling experts contribute to committees and advisory boards for cooperation and coordination in addiction treatment, and updating gambling issues in addiction policy plans and strategies.
