Gambling in German rap - art or advertising spam?

In the German rap scene, along with violence, drugs, women, and fast cars, gambling is also an integral part of the songs. Many artists have immortalized arcades or sports betting in their songs. The connection of content to gambling has ensured that companies and suppliers from the industry have entered into marketing and advertising collaborations with individual rappers. This, of course, raises the question of whether this development is still musical art or advertising spam.

Penetration of the rap scene?

Gambling does not enjoy a special reputation in many areas of public perception. The same goes for the German rap scene. Both sides are seen as shady and evil. It is only fitting that German rap and gambling have a deep connection.

In recent years, however, there has been an event that many rap fans and outsiders alike have found disturbing. The focus is on Platincasino, which is often mentioned in the songs of many famous rappers. In this regard, Fraustest.com contains a list of 21 German "platinum casino rappers" and their bars. A huge number of artists who mention online casinos in their tracks more often than average indicates that Platincasino has concluded lucrative advertising agreements with the respective rappers. Critics argue that gambling has infiltrated the German rap scene in this way. Navigate the innovative landscape of electronic genres and betting with confidence. Our guide, "Exploring Betting Possibilities in Electronic Genres," offers a comprehensive overview of how these worlds collide and create unique betting opportunities. Explore more here.

Possible dangers

The whole topic is problematic for several reasons. This is how gambling is glorified by rappers without hesitation. The track Automat by Olexesh shows that there is another way. In his song, the Frankfurt native talks about the potential dangers of slot machines. However, the "platinum casino rappers" portray gambling in a mostly positive way. There is a lack of critical discussion and reasonable explanation of the subject area.

Of course, no one becomes addicted to gambling because of a rap song, but the flow of gambling content in certain songs can open the door to the industry. This should not be a bad thing in itself. After all, for the vast majority of gamers, gaming is a hobby or leisure activity. Nevertheless, it raises the question of rappers' responsibility to their fans.

Risk by Raf Camora & Bonez MC

Many rappers from the scene are passionate gamblers themselves or can tell stories from their lives related to gambling. Other artists use metaphorical references in their songs that create a connection to the industry. Sometimes, gambling providers are directly mentioned.

This is the case with the track Risk by two rappers Rafa Camora and Bonez MC, which mentions the sports betting provider Tipico in the pre-hook. This is preceded by the line "Up to the limit every day", which clearly indicates the willingness to take risks in sports betting.

Spielo from CashMo

The casino plays the role of the main character in the song Spielo by CashMo. The content tells about how the artist tries to avoid gambling and especially arcades. Listeners get an impression of how difficult it is for addicted gamers to put this plan into practice. It also becomes clear what thoughts can tempt you to gamble.

The video track shows the interior of an arcade. It shows cut-scenes and quick clips of different Novoline slot machine games, such as Book of Ra. In terms of content, gambling is depicted quite realistically. CashMo looks at the widespread problem of gambling addiction and tells the story of people in arcades. There is no unreflective glorification.

Sports betting in focus

Sports betting is often at the center of the German rap landscape. They are particularly popular among young people and have become a kind of subcultural authority in recent years. Raf Camora and Bonez MC are just one of many examples with their track Risk .

The well-known bookmaker Tipico has also dealt with other big names in the scene. Similar to Platincasino, there are often lucrative advertising deals behind it. For example, Summer Jem appeared as the main character in a Tipico TV ad. In another ad campaign, an arrest warrant provided the appropriate lines and beats.

Other betting providers have long since caught on. When HpyBet entered the market in 2019, it attracted four famous faces: Alexes, actor Arnel Tachi, hip-hop legend Krakaveli, and Hamburger Booz.

Hip-hop artist Al Gear is even known for regularly giving sports betting tips. His fans and followers on social media trust not so much statistical research as the musician's instincts.

Role models from the US

The roots of gambling in rap come not from Germany but from the United States. Several artists from the American rap and R&B scene got involved in the gambling industry long before local musicians.

In the music video for the song Lick, Cardi B shows how she cleans out an entire casino. R&B singer Bruno Mars parties in a casino to his song 24K Magic. The movie How I Feel, Florida shows how glamorous and extravagant casino resorts in Las Vegas can be. In these and other examples of the American rap and R&B scene, casinos in particular are portrayed in a very positive way. The games or slot machines come out very well. Navigate the thrilling world of horse racing betting with our comprehensive guide on "How to Bet on Horse Racing." Click here for a step-by-step walkthrough, tips, and strategies to enhance your horse racing wagering experience.

Artistic or advertising spam - a differentiated opinion

Gambling and the German rap scene are inextricably linked. Gambling addiction, slot machines, arcades, sports betting and, of course, money - various artists deal with all these aspects in their tracks. The approach cannot be generalized due to the wide range of interconnections. Each rapper approaches this topic in his or her own way.

Nevertheless, clear boundaries should be established. Advertising deals and collaborations between gaming companies and artists in particular pose a great risk. Unwarranted glorification of gambling can greatly distort the perception of young people in particular. It can also complicate the rehabilitation of gambling addicts.

In addition to the potential dangers, many performers on stage are aware of their responsibility. They gamble or have gambled in their private lives and report their experiences. Tracks like Automat or Spielo show an authentic perspective.