Handlungsempfehlungen zur Evaluation des Glücksspielstaatsvertrags.

Abstract: Background: Gambling is considered a demerit good that is associated with addiction risks and social costs for society. Accordingly, there is a great need for regulatory interventions that foster the protection of minors and gamblers in an evidence-based manner. To achieve this goal, a high-quality, comprehensive and multidisciplinary evaluation of the respective regulatory approaches and their individual elements needs to be implemented. Aim: In a first step, the article aims at critically assessing the status quo in terms of (previous) evaluation efforts in Germany. Based on this, in a second step, with reference to the State Treaty on Gambling 2021, recommendations for scientific action are presented. The focus lies on aspects of the effectiveness of the measures as well as on aspects of the implementation of the measures. In addition, there are some general considerations on an appropriate evaluation procedure. Conclusion: For the first time, this position paper presents proposals for a scientifically based evaluation of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021, considering both content-related and structural elements. Evidence-based addiction prevention can only occur if there is indeed a serious political interest in such a research agenda and if this agenda is adequately funded and independently conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]