At-risk or problematic gambling behaviour (age: 15+)

In Switzerland various forms of gambling, for example slot machines, poker, betting on sports events or lotteries are used regularly by the population. In addition to people whose gambling behaviour presents a low to moderate risk, there are gamblers whose behaviour is at-risk or problematic. Those affected are people who have lost control over their gambling behaviour and whose daily life often centres around gambling. This behaviour can seriously effect family and professional life. Compulsive gambling frequently leads to financial problems. Typically, problematic gamblers tend to lose touch with reality and to deny that there is a problem. A key concern of the Gambling Act is the protection of gamblers against the socially damaging effects of gambling.

The indicator shows the prevalence of at-risk and problematic gambling in the population and helps to plan preventive measures and intervention.