Excessive gambling takes a toll

In Switzerland around 126,000 people gamble "excessively", according to a study presented by the Federal commission on casinos on Friday.

The study used figures from the 2007 Swiss health survey, which found that 1.5 per cent of respondents could be regarded as problematic gamblers, and 0.5 per cent as pathological.

The commission said the number appeared to be have remained more or less constant over the years.

About 20 per cent of excessive gamblers play in casinos, it said, but abolishing casinos would not solve the problem.

A second study presented by the commission put the social costs of excessive gambling in casinos at almost SFr3,000 (about $2,700) per case per year. It said the problems of such gamblers affected not only the individuals themselves, but also their families and society.

They often fall into debt, are unable to work and have health problems. Some commit crimes to fuel their habit, and they require help from advice and treatment centres.

The commission stressed that its figures are projections, and should be regarded as estimates. It also pointed out it took into account only the 20 per cent of gamblers using casinos. No figures are available for the remaining 80 per cent who gamble on lotteries, via the internet and in other ways.

The commission will use the studies to draw up a report suggesting how the damaging impact of gambling on society can be lessened. The report is to be submitted to the Swiss government in the autumn.

swissinfo.ch and agencies