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
Swiss Abroad
The citizenship obstacle course facing spouses of Swiss Abroad
This content was published on
The Ethos Foundation recommends that shareholders vote against all compensation-related items at the Annual General Meeting on March 7.
Top Swiss firms close to reaching gender quota in boards
This content was published on
The proportion of women on the boards of directors of the fifty largest listed companies in Switzerland currently stands at 28%.
Swiss committee wants to end government resignations during legislative term
This content was published on
Members of the Federal Council should no longer be able to leave office before the end of their term, according to a House of Representatives committee.
Swiss government seat: Ritter and Pfister nominated to succeed Amherd
This content was published on
Markus Ritter from St Gallen and Martin Pfister from Zug were officially nominated by the Centre Party on Friday to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd.
Top Swiss court rejects Russian request for administrative tax assistance
This content was published on
There is currently no reason to transmit banking information to the Russian Federation, the Swiss Federal Court has ruled.
After strike by radiologists, doctors demonstrate in Bern
This content was published on
Following a strike by radiology technicians in Fribourg, doctors, vets, dentists and chiropractors expressed their frustration on Friday outside parliament in the Swiss capital.
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.