Gambling prohibitions seem to impact the prevalence of gambling dependency in Switzerland
In recent years, player bans have become a significant tool in the fight against problematic gambling behaviour in both Switzerland and Germany.
Since 2002, player bans have been a part of Swiss gambling law, aiming to exclude individuals with problematic gambling habits from accessing online gambling offers and participating in casino games at Swiss casinos. Over 12,000 player bans have been imposed in Switzerland since 2022, but the long-term effects of these bans on gambling addiction and overspending remain under investigation.
Across the border in Germany, the OASIS (Online Query Player Status) system plays a crucial role in player protection. All online casinos, stationary casinos, and legal betting providers with a German license from the Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL) are connected to the OASIS ban system. The ban system requires gambling providers to query the OASIS data of each player, thus preventing access to online offers of gambling providers and participation in casino games for those on the ban list.
Research conducted by various institutions indicates that imposing long-term bans on players can reduce problem gambling symptoms and overspending by limiting access and breaking compulsive gambling cycles. A ban of at least six months has shown to have a positive impact on gambling addiction and associated overspending. The financial situation of those affected has improved, and symptoms of gambling problems have decreased with a ban of at least six months.
However, the University of Lucerne in Switzerland has conducted studies on gambling behaviour and interventions, but specific research focusing on long-term bans of six months or more and its proven measured impact on addiction and overspending is not found in the provided search results. While general academic literature suggests that long-term bans can be effective, precise and authoritative data from the University of Lucerne on this matter is not readily available.
In Germany, players can apply for a lifting of the ban after a ban period of three months, while players in Switzerland can apply after three months as well. It is important to note that no improvements were seen in gamblers without a ban. Players with problematic gambling behaviour can be included in the ban list and excluded from the entire gaming offer in Germany.
The positive trend in player protection through the ban system in Switzerland may continue, but this remains to be seen. As research continues, it is hoped that a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of long-term player bans on gambling addiction and overspending will be established.
What about the effectiveness of six-month casino-and-gambling bans in addressing problematic gambling behavior in Switzerland? The University of Lucerne has undertaken studies on gambling behavior and interventions but has not yet provided specific, conclusive data on the impact of such long-term bans on gambling addiction and overspending.
