Since the independence of the state of Israel in 1948, the Jewish state has enjoyed the reputation of a modern western welfare state, deeply concerned with the quality of life of its citizens. The rapid growth of the Israeli welfare state lasted for about three decades. Israel is experiencing a sharp decline in public support for welfare state ideologies. The ideological changes have a great impact on current debates on policies concerning gambling as well as some grave implications for victims of compulsive gambling in Israel. While the political debate on the future of gambling in Israel is focusing primarily on its economic potentials, the victims of this growing industry - the compulsive gamblers - are left behind on their own.

The phenomenon of compulsive gambling in Israel has intensified over the past two years in the wake of the opening of a casino in Jericho in the Palestinian Authority. The casino attracts thousands of patrons each day and 90% of them are Israelis who lost some two billion dollars in the course of 1999.

Another major, albeit legal, factor that promotes compulsive gambling in Israel is the country's national lottery- Mif'al Hapa'is- which absorbs a billion and a half dollars each year from Israeli citizens.

A recent development is the increase in the number of female gamblers in Israel. Among those requesting counseling and treatment of compulsive gambling, 30% are women aged forty and over.According to APG research (of June 2000), 70% of the population participates in some form of regular gambling. 9% of those are compulsive gamblers.

 

The Association for Prevention of Compulsive Gambling in Israel is a voluntary public association established in 1994 by parents and families of gamblers. The aim of this association is to prevent, explain and educate. To design educational programs for adolescents and adults, on the consequences and harm caused by addiction to compulsive gambling. Based on wide research data collected all over the world and on the personal experience of Israelis that have gone through rehabilitation in the last 5 years, the association members are aware of the negative results caused to gamblers and their families. The Association goal is preventing from gambling to become a widespread problem in Israel. According to the APG plan this will be achieved by opening special programs for students in High schools, women and the retired, since according to our estimates, these are the peer risk groups.