Why is gambling called the oldest behavioural addiction, and how widespread is problem gambling in Switzerland?
For centuries gambling addiction was the only behavioural (non-substance) addiction with a recognised diagnosis. In 2022, 6.6% of the Swiss population had shown risky or problematic gambling at some point in their life, men (9.0%) about twice as often as women (4.2%).
A behavioural addiction (stoffungebundene Sucht, "addiction not bound to a substance") is one where no drug is taken: the behaviour itself becomes compulsive. Gambling was the model case long before anyone spoke of gaming or internet addiction.
The Swiss situation:
- Lifetime prevalence 2022: 6.6% risky or problematic gambling; men 9.0%, women 4.2%.
- The number of gambling exclusions (Spielsperren, bans from casinos and online casinos, either self-requested or imposed) has been rising sharply for years.
- Switzerland has one of the highest densities of casinos in the world, and lottery and betting products are sold at every kiosk and post office.
- The Money Gaming Act (Geldspielgesetz) was accepted in a 2018 referendum. Since summer 2019, the 21 Swiss casinos may offer online gambling; 10 of them hold a licence to do so (as of 2026).
The ethical issue is availability: the easier and more constant the access (a casino on the phone, 24 hours a day), the more people slide from occasional play into risky play.
Go deeper:
Wikipedia: Problem gambling — diagnosis, risk factors and treatment.- Wikipedia: Gambling in Switzerland — the Money Gaming Act, online casinos and site blocking.