Less than 1 % (0.5% to 0.8% ; BASS 2004; Osiek & Bondolfi 1999) of the swiss population suffers from pathological gambling. Slightly more than 1% of the swiss population identifies itself with the profile of the problematic gambler. According to other estimations 7% of the casino visitors suffer from gambling addiction. The availability of money and gambling opportunities set the condition of gambling addictions. The following signs are defining a gambling addiction:

Financial worries due to gambling

• Delayed payments of bills
• Debts
• Bankruptcy
• The household budget is used for gambling
• Lending money to satisfy the gambling habit

Family problems due to gambling

• Frequent absence from home
• Neglect of partner and children
• family disputes
• Separation or divorce

Signs of a gambling addiction can be detected also in the workplace (absences, misuse of company funds) or through mental disorders (sleeplessness, stress, anxiety, depression) as well as by acting unlawfully (embezzlement of funds, criminal offences).