Helpline
SOS Spielsucht
Free, anonymous helpline run jointly by 17 German-speaking cantons. Counselling is in German, with interpreters available on request.
Support directory
Gambling help in Switzerland
Switzerland's support system is organised by the cantons, which are required by law to fund prevention and treatment of gambling addiction from a levy on lottery and betting operators. In German-speaking Switzerland, SOS Spielsucht, a joint project of 17 cantons, runs a free, anonymous 24-hour helpline and directs callers to regional counselling centres; interpreters can often be arranged. French-speaking and Italian-speaking cantons run their own specialist services, usually within addiction centres. Casinos have social-protection officers who must act on signs of problem gambling. The Spielsperre system lets you ban yourself from all Swiss casinos and online large-scale games. Online self-tests are useful prompts but not diagnoses; a counsellor can assess your situation.
SOS Spielsucht 0800 040 080 24 hours If you or someone else is in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call your local emergency number now. Helplines below are for gambling-related support and are generally free and confidential.
Treatment
Cantonal addiction counselling centres
Every canton funds specialist gambling counselling, often free. French- and Italian-speaking cantons run their own services.
Self-exclusion
Spielsperre via any Swiss casino
Request a ban at any Swiss casino; it applies to all Swiss casinos, online and land-based, and to online lotteries and betting.
Peer support
Gamblers Anonymous Switzerland
Mutual-help meetings in the main language regions for people who want to stop gambling.
Regulator
Federal Gaming Board (ESBK)
Supervises casinos and online casinos, collects the casino levy and publishes the list of blocked illegal casino sites.
Official site (type it in): esbk.admin.ch
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Take a 2-minute self-test
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Start the PGSI →Block access
Self-exclude in Switzerland
Spielsperre (gambling ban) — national register, minimum Usually 1 year.
Read the manual →For families
Worried about someone?
How to start the conversation, protect your finances and look after yourself.
Support for families →We list services for information only and are not affiliated with any of them. Numbers and opening hours can change — if a number doesn't connect, check the organisation's official website. Last reviewed October 2026.