Slot machines are often the biggest earner for casinos

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents, Crossing Europe was broadcast on Thursday, 5 August, 2004 at 1100 BST.

The programme was repeated on Monday, 9 August 2004, at 2030 BST.

Listen to the programme

France has the biggest casino industry in Europe and slot machines are a casino's number one money earner.

Rosie Goldsmith meets one man who is suing his local casino after becoming addicted to slot machines.

He says the casino should have prevented him from losing all his money and destroying his life.

It is an unprecedented case in France.

But how much responsibility does a casino have to help addicts?

In Switzerland, by contrast, a government sponsored scheme trains casino staff to identify problem gamblers and offer advice.

Producer: Emma Rippon
Presenter: Rosie Goldsmith
Editor: Sue Ellis