The number of pathological gamblers in the Czech Republic is not known. Every 10th male adolescent 18-year-old gambles once a month or more often. The number of slot machines in the Czech Republic is 1 per 200 of residents. Considering the prevalence of pathological gambling in other countries, we estimate that the prevalence of pathological gambling in the Czech Republic is probably not lower than 0.5 - 1 % of population. Many more people are affected indirectly (family members and the victims of gambling related crimes). Effective prevention should both decrease availability and the demand.

        Key words: pathological gambling, epidemiology, prevention.