Gambling Machines in Luxembourg Cafés Pose Major Addiction Risk, Experts Warn

Gambling machines found in cafés and bars across Luxembourg are the country’s leading source of gambling addiction — even surpassing online platforms and casinos — according to psychologist Hamadou Zarmakoye from the Centre for Excessive Behaviors and Behavioral Addictions (ZEV) in Luxembourg City.

Zarmakoye, who treats individuals struggling with gambling disorders, says up to 30% of café machine players show signs of addiction. These machines, often found in social gathering spots like cafés and restaurants, are especially common within immigrant communities — notably among Portuguese residents — where they have become part of everyday routines.

“You go to the café to talk, drink a beer, and since the machines are there, you play,” explains Zarmakoye. “That simple moment of leisure can turn into a dangerous cycle of addiction fueled by habit and the illusion of easy money.”

A Hidden Public Health Problem
According to Zarmakoye, these gaming machines represent a “real public health issue” that the government continues to underestimate. In neighboring countries, such machines are either banned or heavily restricted, while in Luxembourg, many remain illegal yet widespread.

The psychologist argues that gambling should be confined to regulated environments like casinos or “Spielhallen”, where alcohol sales are restricted, minors are excluded, and state oversight is in place.

Warning Signs of Addiction
Early stages of addiction often go unnoticed. It starts with small, occasional bets — just a few euros — but gradually escalates as the brain becomes conditioned by the dopamine-driven “pleasure” of winning.

“People begin to associate happiness with gambling,” says Zarmakoye. “Eventually, they play not for fun, but to escape problems or negative feelings. It becomes an obsession.”

As addiction deepens, players often lie, borrow money, and face mounting debts, sometimes losing entire salaries in hours. Many deny having a problem until they hit a breaking point — when financial collapse or family pressure forces them to seek help.

Support and Treatment
At ZEV, psychotherapy-based treatment focuses on helping patients regain control of their behavior and avoid triggers. Recovery, however, requires complete separation from gambling environments.

“If a patient keeps visiting the same cafés and friends who play, relapse is inevitable,” warns the psychologist.

In severe cases, patients may require hospitalization in Luxembourg or referral to specialized centers in Germany for long-term care.

“A Problem Luxembourg Can No Longer Ignore”
Zarmakoye stresses that quick-result games — such as café machines or online betting — are far more addictive than slower games like lotteries or Euromillions, which have delayed outcomes.

“The government says gambling is under control, but that’s not the reality. As long as slot machines remain in cafés and restaurants, they will continue to destroy lives. This is a public health issue Luxembourg can no longer ignore.”

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