The number of gamblers banned from Swiss casinos rose sharply last year to over 10,000, driven by the growth in online gambling sites, the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag has reported.
At the end of last year, a total of 72,322 people were banned from playing at Swiss casinos – in person and online – according to new statistics from the Federal Gambling Commission (CFMJ)External link, published in the NZZ am Sonntag. This represents an increase of 10,870 people compared with 2019, when the number rose by 4,836.
The opening of three new online gambling sites last year, and two additional venues in 2021, contributed to this increase, said Federal Gambling Commission spokesperson Marjorie Perusset.
The steep rise is mainly due to new online casino players who do not frequent physical establishments, she said.
Perusset added that it was still too early to say whether the Covid pandemic has had an impact on gambling behaviour. Licenced casinos began fully operating online services in 2020.
The Gambling Commission insists that the large number of bans is proof that preventive measures are working and are being implemented.
In the light of the recent increase, the non-governmental organisation Addiction Suisse has called for restrictions on gambling advertising and the creation of an expert group to advise the authorities and establishments.
In Switzerland, casinos, physical or online, generate an annual turnover of CHF650 million ($698 million). Residents also spend nearly CHF1 billion on lottery cards and betting on sports, said NZZ am Sonntag.
Under Swiss law, a casino must issue a gambling ban if it knows a player is in debt or unable to meet their financial obligations. This rule also applies if the person gambles large amounts of money when compared to their monthly income and fortune.
A casino can also issue a ban if they receive a report from a specialised body or social affairs authority indicating a person’s gambling addiction. Players can also decide whether they want to be banned. Casinos and establishments that impose bans must keep a register of those affected.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
This content was published on
An awareness campaign has been launched to help addicted online gamblers in Switzerland cope with their compulsive behaviour.
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.
This content was published on
The new Gaming Act will just protect Swiss casinos from foreign competition, argues Andri Silberschmidt in opposition to the legislation.
Lucrative gambling business comes under public scrutiny
This content was published on
The stakes are high as Swiss voters contemplate a new gambling law, including a ban on using the websites of foreign casinos.
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.