Switzerland launches new national gambling study: results expected in 2027
Switzerland is set to launch a new and comprehensive scientific investigation into gambling behaviour, aimed at providing an updated and in-depth picture of how players interact with the country’s regulated gambling market and its impact on society. The Federal Gaming Board and the Intercantonal Gambling Supervisory Authority have announced a nationwide study to be conducted throughout 2026, with final results scheduled for publication in autumn 2027.
The initiative forms part of a long-standing and structured monitoring framework that has enabled Swiss regulators to build a robust and reliable evidence base on gambling activity over time. This approach once again highlights the central role of empirical data in shaping public policy and regulatory oversight within the gambling sector.
Continuity and methodology in data collection
The Federal Gaming Board has been commissioning studies on gambling behaviour since 2007, while the Intercantonal Gambling Supervisory Authority began similar monitoring activities in 2017. Their shared objective is to track changes in player behaviour, identify emerging risks and assess the effectiveness of regulatory and preventive measures.
For the upcoming study, data collection will be carried out by the Federal Statistical Office, which will oversee the nationwide survey in 2026. The analysis and interpretation of the findings will then be entrusted to the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research, an organisation with extensive expertise in the study of behavioural risks and public health issues linked to gambling.
What the gambling report will examine
The final report will provide a detailed overview of the use of different gambling products available in Switzerland. It will examine player habits, participation frequency, access channels and the prevalence of problematic or pathological gambling behaviour.
As in previous editions, the study will go beyond purely quantitative data. It will seek to interpret the social and behavioural dynamics underlying gambling participation, offering insights not only into how often people gamble, but also into how and why they do so within a highly regulated environment.
A practical tool for regulators and policymakers
The findings of the study will play a crucial role in supporting regulatory and supervisory activities. The data will help authorities refine prevention strategies, strengthen consumer protection measures and enhance market oversight.
Previous research has shown that a significant proportion of the Swiss population engages in gambling at least occasionally, while a smaller but stable percentage exhibits at-risk or problematic gambling behaviour. Regular monitoring, therefore, remains essential to detect shifts in player habits at an early stage and to implement targeted interventions where necessary.
Switzerland’s gambling regulatory framework
The study takes place within the framework established by the Federal Act on Gambling, which came into force in 2019. This legislation harmonised the regulation of casinos, lotteries and betting activities, allowing land-based Swiss casinos to offer online gambling services while simultaneously reinforcing player protection requirements.
Switzerland’s regulatory model is characterised by strict oversight of licensed operators and the blocking of unauthorised platforms, with particular emphasis on public health protection, addiction prevention and anti-money laundering safeguards. In this context, access to up-to-date and scientifically validated data is essential to maintaining a balance between market development and social responsibility.
Towards stronger responsible gambling policies
The new national study also represents a key step in strengthening responsible gambling policies. A deeper understanding of player behaviour enables the development of more effective prevention measures, targeted awareness campaigns and appropriate support tools for vulnerable individuals.
In a market undergoing rapid change, driven by digitalisation and technological innovation, the ability to adapt regulatory strategies based on reliable evidence is becoming increasingly important for the long-term sustainability of the gambling sector.
Looking ahead to 2027
With the publication of the results expected in autumn 2027, institutions, operators and industry stakeholders will gain access to a new reference point for understanding the evolution of gambling in Switzerland. The study is expected to enhance market transparency and inform future regulatory decisions, reinforcing Switzerland’s data-driven approach centred on prevention, consumer protection and regulatory integrity.
This article was first published in Italian on 17 December 2025.
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