A detailed study orchestrated by the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF), on behalf of the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (SFGB) and the Intercantonal Gambling Supervisory Authority (Gespa), has dissected gambling behaviors in Switzerland for the year 2022. Utilizing data from the Swiss Health Survey conducted by the Federal Statistical Office, this comprehensive analysis offers insights into the evolving landscape of gambling in the nation post-legalization of online gaming in 2019.
Decrease in gambling participation observed:
According to SFGB, in 2022, about 44.5% of survey respondents engaged in gambling activities, a noticeable decrease from the 55.0% reported in 2017. The Swiss lotteries remained the most favored choice with 39.4% participation, while private games, table games at casinos, and slot machines followed at lower rates. Notably, engagement with Swiss online casinos reached 2.0%, reflecting a modest uptake since the recent legalization. The participation in international online gambling platforms, however, decreased from 2.3% in 2017 to just 0.8% in 2022, indicating a successful shift of players to regulated domestic online platforms.
Despite variations in gambling participation, the prevalence of risky and pathological gambling behaviors has remained largely stable. In 2022, 5.8% of participants were identified as engaging in risky gambling behaviors, a slight increase from 5.7% in 2017. Pathological gamblers made up 0.8% of the gambling population, marginally rising from 0.6% in 2017. These figures underline the persistent challenge of gambling-related harms, despite efforts to mitigate risks through regulation and education.
The study found higher rates of high-risk and pathological gambling behaviors among certain gambling formats. Online games at Swiss casinos presented the highest risk, with 37.6% of their players showing problematic gambling patterns, followed closely by international online platforms at 35.2%. Slot machines at Swiss casinos and sports betting at Swiss lottery companies also reported elevated risk levels, emphasizing the need for robust preventive measures in these areas.
Financial expenditure on gambling:
Financial engagement in gambling revealed conservative spending habits among Swiss players. A majority of gamblers (47.8%) reported spending less than 10 francs per month, while 37% spent between 10 and 99 francs. This cautious approach to gambling expenditure may reflect a broader awareness of gambling risks, possibly influenced by increased regulatory scrutiny and public health initiatives.
The SFGB continues to prioritize the implementation of safeguards to protect vulnerable players, ensuring that casinos adhere strictly to legal requirements designed to prevent gambling-related harms. With Switzerland’s online gambling behavior now leaning towards nationally approved platforms, the focus remains on fostering a safe and responsible gambling environment.
This report also compares Switzerland’s gambling risk profiles with other European nations, finding them to be in the medium to low range, which speaks to the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and the potential for further improvement in player safety measures.
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