Gambling Laws in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world, so it's perhaps unsurprising that it has one of the highest casino per capita ratios. However, many gambling activities in the country are tightly regulated with some coming under monopoly or duopoly control.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in Switzerland?

Some forms of gambling have been legal since 1923. The Federal Law on Games of Chance and Casinos made some restricted casino gambling legal in 1993. In 2019, the Federal Act on Money Games made online gambling legal - to a certain degree. 

Gambling licences are issued by the Swiss Federal Gaming Board. Lottery licences are issued by Gespa, the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority.

Wagering on Offline and Online Casino Games

Land-based casino gambling has been legal since 1998. There is a cap on the number of venues in operation, with all 21 licences currently awarded. Casinos fall into 2 categories: A for grand casinos (stakes can exceed 25 CHF, no limit to the number of tables/machines, progressive jackpots allowed), of which there are 10. Category B is for resort/spa casinos (stakes cannot exceed 25 CHF, limit of 3 tables, no progressive jackpots), of which there are 11.

Since Switzerland's 26 cantons (member states) can determine their own gambling regulations, a few do not allow casinos at all.

Online casinos were permitted in 2019 and the government limits the licensing, with only 21 allowed at any time. Licences can be acquired only if the operator partners with an existing licensed land-based casino. Residents cannot play at foreign sites either as the Swiss internet providers block these. This leaves access to online casino slots and other games, for licensed platforms only.

Playing Real Money Poker

Poker gambling has been legal in Switzerland since 1993. At present, banked and non-banked games can only be played within licensed casinos.

Online poker is legal and operators must either already be a land-based casino or be partnered with an existing venue to gain a license. In reality, soaring tax rates mean there are very few online gambling sites which operate in Switzerland.

Betting on Bingo Games

Bingo was one of the only forms of gambling legally permitted during the ban from 1923 to 1993. The country's two state-owned lottery companies, Swisslos and Loterie Romande, currently offer games. Private companies can also apply for a licence from Gespa (the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority). Swisslos operates a monopoly when it comes to online bingo gambling, with no other companies allowed to offer this to residents. Unlicensed bingo sites are also blocked in Switzerland.

Lottery Draws

Lottery gambling is offered on a duopoly basis by Swisslos and Loterie Romande, both state-owned licensed companies. However, individual cantons have the authority to permit local lotteries. Residents can also legally play online lottery games for real money via the Swisslos and Loterie Romande sites and mobile apps.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Loot boxes and in-game skins have a monetary value or can be bought, making them subject to licensing laws. This is difficult to enforce though and sites are not able to be blocked by government ISPs. Social casinos that offer the ability to play online games using fake chips, fall outside Switzerland's stake-based gambling criteria.

Even though virtual currencies are a legally recognised form of tender in Switzerland, the stance on crypto casinos is a little less clear. None of the land-based gambling establishments or operators currently accept these. However, some licensed online casinos can permit players to deposit using cryptos via third-party payment processors.

Sports Betting in Switzerland - Is It Legal?

Yes, but the activity is currently a duopoly controlled by Swisslos and Loterie Romande. Swisslos offers sports betting via their subsidiary Sporttip, while Loterie Romande offers pari-mutuel horse racing betting. Both companies offer a wide range of markets via their online apps too.

Although technically it's illegal for any other operator to offer online sports betting to residents of Switzerland, some casinos manage to find a way around this. Usually, it's by adding a sportsbook at a later date and declaring profits as coming from online casino gambling.

What's the Minimum Legal Age to Gamble in Switzerland?

The legal gambling age is 18. However, only those aged 21 or over are legally permitted to enter casinos in the canton of Graubünden.

Swiss Gambling Taxes - Do Players Pay for Their Winnings?

Switzerland's gambling tax rates are the second highest in Europe after France. Land-based operators are liable to pay 40% to 80% of gross revenue, while online operators are subject to 20% to 80%. This is in addition to corporation tax, which ranges from 11.9% to 21.6%.

For players, winnings from licensed land-based and online establishments are tax-free.

History of Gambling Laws in Switzerland

Gambling legislation in Switzerland was mentioned in the Swiss Federal Constitution as far back as 1874. The country's first casino was built in 1881.

Gambling was outright banned in 1921, but the Act on Lotteries and Commercial Betting in 1923 exempted lottery and lotto-type games. The ban remained in place until 1993, when only limited activities were legalised, e.g. restricted stakes casino gambling.

A referendum on casino gambling was added to the Swiss Constitution in 1998's Federal Act on Games of Chance and Casinos. At the time more than 70% of the country's population voted for new gambling laws. 

In 2000, gambling laws were relaxed and in 2019 the Federal Act on Money Games legalised online gambling under certain conditions.

Key Facts

• Casino gambling is legal in Switzerland, with 21 venues currently licensed to operate.

• Online casino gambling is legal, but only those who currently operate or partner with an existing land-based casino can apply for a license.

• Online and offline poker gambling are legal, but only licensed operators can offer games.

• Bingo gambling is legal but falls under the monopoly control of Swisslos.

• Lottery gambling is legal but under the duopoly control of Swisslos and Loterie Romande.

• Sports betting is also legal, but again, Sporttip (owned by Swisslos) and Loterie Romande can only offer markets.