Gambling destroys livelihoods. This is evident from the experiences of a Salzburger who once worked in an illegal gambling hall. In an interview with the “Krone” he reported on the devastating consequences. An addiction expert also knows the problem: “We have to protect players better.”
Stefan (name changed by the editor) worked for almost a year in an illegal gambling establishment in the city of Salzburg: “There I saw things that I had never experienced before,” he says about his experiences in the interview and the methods of “Krone” of the illegal gambling scene. “For example, I immediately noticed that the machines were being manipulated. The operators know exactly what drives the players and they use that to their advantage.”
Gambling addicts are deliberately lured in so that they stay with the one-armed bandit for as long as possible and lose as much money as possible. “I also saw how the boss gave players a few thousand euros as a bonus.” Anyone who got into debt could even get loans in the restaurant. It was not only money that was used to entice people, but also drugs or free drinks – to disinhibit people. The bars were always hidden, camouflaged and guarded from the outside.
Expert: More control via legal machines
The dark side of gambling addiction was clearly visible to Stefan: “I will never forget all those desperate faces. I have heard so many stories about children and their livelihood. This fate affects you, people gamble their whole lives.” At one point it was clear to Stefan: “I don’t want to be a part of that anymore.”
Roman Nesshold, an expert and advisor for gambling addicts, knows this hidden world: “Nobody helps the players there, it’s all about money and addiction.” Although there are clear prohibitions in Salzburg and legal slot machines may only be operated by Casinos Austria , there are illegal gambling dens. Although there are clear rules at casinos – such as a maximum playing time – in illegal establishments you can “play for an infinite amount of time and spend an infinite amount of money,” says Nesshold.
The expert believes that we need to break new ground, as in other states, and cites Upper Austria and Styria as examples. In Upper Austria in particular, the legalization of small-scale gambling has reduced illegal bars by 95 percent: “But this requires strong legislation and player protection must also be taken into account,” says Nesshold. The state government of Salzburg is also planning legalization.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
