Existence often lost

How gambling addicts fight for their gambled away money

Bright colors, fast-paced gameplay, cheerful sounds - factors that have an effect on the player and, in the worst case, trigger an addiction. The brain demands more reward, the person gives it to it. With devastating consequences!

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

Gambling addiction is considered a taboo subject in Austria. Nevertheless, some dare to fight it and even try to sue for the money they have lost in court. Gambling lawyer Julia Eckhart from Styria supports them.

Styrian Andreas (name changed) is 41 years old. The world was open to him, but then he fell for slot machines. 140,000 euros are gone, his livelihood is destroyed. He repeatedly took out loans to finance his gambling addiction. To feel the thrill when the symbols on the individual reels in the machine spin and, ideally, come to rest next to each other. Because that's when the rouble rolls! He doesn't even notice that he has already gambled away double his winnings. The moment is too good.