Date published: 08.07.2019

Switzerland to restrict online gaming from July 1, 2019

Starting July 1st, 2019 a January 1st, 2019 law came into effect, which only allowed Swiss gaming companies to offer online gambling targeting Swiss players. The law was championed by the Christian Democrats led committee in Parliament. In essence, access to the Swiss market by foreign online gambling regulators has been restricted. According to article 86 (1), Internet service providers will be responsible for blocking access to foreign providers not licensed in Switzerland.

The law came into effect as a result of a June 10, 2018 referendum in which 72.9% of voters voted to adopt the new federal law on gambling. This means that only Swiss-based lotteries and licensed casinos will be allowed to offer casino gambling and sports betting. The ESBK will publish a list of blocked sites in a Federal Gazette.

Gambling in Switzerland

According to an annual report from the Federal Gaming Commission (ESBK), gross gambling revenue generated by casinos increased CHF 23 million from 2017 to 2018. Gross gaming revenue last year (2018) reached CHF 703.6 million. This shows that casino games are very popular in Switzerland, especially slots.

The ESBK

The Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (ESBK) or Federal Gaming Commission is the supervisory authority for casinos in Switzerland. Their mandate is to ensure transparency, compliance with anti-money laundering and the protection of society, including the most vulnerable.

Where can Swiss players play now?

Swiss players still be able to gamble at local land-based casinos as well as local online casino operators. The Federal Gaming Commission has recently awarded four such licences allowing casinos to offer online gambling. Although most online casinos haven't started their service yet, it's only a matter of days before they go live.

The Grand Casino Baden

Probably one of the most beautiful land-based casinos in Switzerland is the Grand Casino Baden. who operate their online casinos under its Jackpots.ch brand. They currently only offer games from iSoftBet, but the selection is sure to grow in the coming days. The live casino will be provided y Evolution Gaming.

Swiss Casinos Pfäffikon

The online casino of the Swiss Casinos Pfäffikon can be found at online.swisscasinos.ch, but it's not online yet. they've made an agreement with gaming giant Playtech to offer games.

Lucerne Casino

Lucerne Casino using its mycasino.ch brand that will be powered by gaming giant paf who will provide the gaming plattform, games and backend. The casino isn't yet online, but it will be soon.