"The study, carried out by SUPSI between 2023 and 2024, provides scientific insight into the gambling habits of the population of Ticino and the customers of the three casinos located in the region, with a particular focus on gambling problems. It therefore provides an insight into the current situation in the canton. At the same time, it allows a comparison with data collected in 2012 and 2013, enabling us to understand the evolution of gambling in our region," said State Councillor Marina Carobbio Guscetti, Director of DECS. ‘The study has important sociological and political value. It allows us to understand the evolution of a phenomenon that has a significant impact on individuals, members of our community, and at the same time on society as a whole. It examines individual issues as well as public health issues. It allows us to adapt preventive measures and focus attention on the groups most at risk.’
The survey was funded by the Problem Gambling Fund, managed by the Swisslos Fund Office of the DECS, recalled the Chair of the Problem Gambling Fund Advisory Committee, Gina La Mantia. ‘Contributions can be made for activities, projects or initiatives in the field of prevention and combating gambling addiction, with particular reference to the prevention and early recognition of excessive gambling or other problems directly related to it.’
Emiliano Soldini, senior lecturer and researcher at the Competence centre for care, health and society (CARES) of the Department of Business, Health and Social Sciences (DEASS) at SUPSI, and co-author of the study, together with Salvatore Maione and Angela Lisi (also members of the SUPSI research team), discussed the results. Compared to similar studies carried out in 2012 and 2013, the study presented today showed a general reduction in gambling activities, with the exception of sports betting, for which an increase or stability was noted depending on the population considered. At the same time, a strong spread of online gambling emerged, particularly in the area of sports betting. The prevalence of gambling problems was in line with the figures recorded in 2012, both among the general population and among casino customers, indicating stability. However, a particular concentration of gambling problems was found in casinos, as well as a significant association with sports betting and online gambling. Regardless of the population considered, adolescents, young adults and adult women were found to be particularly vulnerable in this context. Casino customers over the age of 60, for their part, exhibited particularly risky gambling behaviour.
The results of the study indicate that important prevention and monitoring work should continue to be carried out within casinos. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that sports betting, online gambling, young people and the over-60s (currently under-studied but considered increasingly relevant in this context) should be considered central elements in the development of prevention, monitoring and research activities. Finally, the significant development of online gaming, as highlighted by the SUPSI research team, has coincided with an exponential growth in the supply of new “hybrid” games that integrate elements of gambling into the dynamics of video games, creating a grey area where the line between gambling and video gaming becomes blurred. In this sense, it would be necessary to review and update monitoring tools in order to effectively assess the dynamics and risks associated with these types of games.
‘The data that emerged from the scientific survey are thought-provoking and must lead to the adoption of concrete measures and increased preventive efforts,’ said DECS Director Marina Carobbio Guscetti. ‘We know that public health issues must be tackled on several fronts, by joining forces. Various activities are underway. Others are planned. Still others may be added after due consideration.’
The study is available on the Pathological Gambling Fund website at the following link: www.ti.ch/fondogiocopatologico