Prevention of problem gambling

Would-be operators of large-scale gambling activities must provide for thorough social protection measures and will be obliged to annually report to Gespa on the effectiveness of these measures.

Furthermore, before granting a license, Gespa evaluates the addictive potential of the lottery, betting or skill game envisaged. Depending on such evaluation, Gespa may demand additional protective measures from the operator.

Implementation of the required measures is supervised by Gespa, who may inspect premises/outlets for the purpose.
 

Art. 66 of the Gambling Concordat (GSK) imposes a prevention levy on the two lottery providers in Switzerland. The cantons levy 0.5% of the gross revenues generated by Swisslos and Loterie Romande in their territories. In 2022 this amounted to roughly 5.9 million Swiss francs at the cantons’ disposal to fight problem gambling.

The cantons are obliged to use the moneys from the levy for the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction. The funds flow systematically into prevention, treatment, research and education. Thanks to the resources made available by the prevention levy, there now exists a system of organisations and expert institutions in Switzerland that deal with problem gambling and offer tailored prevention projects and other services (see also the "Links and contacts" section further below).
 

Report on the use of the prevention levy by the cantons

On behalf of the Conference of Cantonal Directors – Money Games (FDKG), Gespa conducts annual surveys on the use of the proceeds from the prevention levy. The surveys account, among other things, for the funds used in the year under review, the amounts paid to each recipient and the nature of measures taken. The surveys are published on the “Publications and surveys” page. Gespa also compiles a summary report on the use of the prevention levy every four years.

The FDKG issued recommendations on the use of the prevention levy on 15 November 2021.