Four years after the introduction of a new gambling law in Switzerland, anti-addiction groups say problematic online gambling habits have increased among the population.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/dos
Español
es
Los grupos de adicciones afirman que el juego problemático en línea se ha duplicado
In 2018, 25% of the 1,395 people polled by Addiction Switzerland and a regional addiction association from western Switzerland said they gambled online weekly; by 2021, this had risen to 30%, the organisations said on Thursday.
They are especially worried about the increase in what they called “problematic gamblers”, who have more than doubled from 2.3% to 5.2%.
People aged 18 to 29 are most affected: around 19% of them display signs of moderately risky or problematic behaviour. They also spend more money playing online: CHF162 ($173) on average per month, compared to the overall average of CHF105 per month.
Covid effect
A majority of those surveyed cited two factors for their behaviour: the sharp increase in Swiss online gambling offerings under the 2019 law (which blocked foreign websites from operating in Switzerland) and the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, which drove people online. Respondents also mentioned the intensive marketing strategies of online gaming outlets.
To raise awareness, especially among young people, of the risks of online gambling, the 26 Swiss cantons are launching a coordinated information campaign which will run for four weeks over social media.
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss gamblers to lose access to websites of foreign casinos
This content was published on
The provision of the new Swiss gambling law which restricts online gambling to a few authorised Swiss-based casinos comes into effect on July 1.
Voters give clear thumbs up for reform of Swiss gambling law
This content was published on
Swiss voters have endorsed a ban on online offers of offshore casinos. The new law includes measures against gambling addiction.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.