Legalization of Online Gambling in Switzerland Leads to Increase in Problem Gamblers

After the new gambling law came into force, the number of Swiss gamblers has increased, as reported by Swissinfo. The trend of growth has also affected Swiss individuals showing signs of gambling addiction.
The new regulations on gambling came into effect on January 1, 2019. The law legalized online gambling, but prohibited offshore operators from entering the local market.

According to Addiction Switzerland’s surveys, the percentage of Swiss people who play gambling games weekly has increased from 25% to 30% of the country’s population between 2018 and 2021.

The more than twofold increase in the number of problem gamblers, from 2.3% to 5.2%, is causing concern.
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 are at the greatest risk of developing gambling addiction, with around 19% of them demonstrating signs of moderate-risk or problem behavior.

Individuals in this age group also spend more money on online gambling compared to others, spending $173 per month compared to the national average of $112.

Most respondents cited the sharp increase in online gambling offers following the adoption of the new law, as well as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as factors contributing to their more frequent gambling habits. They also mentioned the intensive marketing strategies of gambling operators.