Swiss Administrative Authority to Issue 22 Gambling Licenses by 2044: Two Proposed Locations Revealed as Lausanne and Winterthur
Switzerland's Regulated Gambling Market: A Balance of Control and Social Responsibility
In the heart of Europe, Switzerland has established a comprehensive gambling regulatory system that ensures a controlled market, public protection, and transparency. This system, governed by the Gambling Act (GamblA) since 2019, regulates all forms of gambling, including lotteries, sports betting, and casinos [1].
Licensing
The Swiss gambling market is limited to authorized entities, with only a select number of licensed operators permitted. For sports bets, two intercantonal providers, Sporttip and Jouez Sport, operate legally [1]. The Swisslos and Loterie Romande organizations hold licenses for lotteries and sports betting in their respective regions [2].
Land-based casinos are licensed through a tender process overseen by the Ministry of Finance, with up to 15 licenses available but only 12 allocated [4]. Foreign gambling operators must obtain a license from the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority (Gespa) to operate legally, and unlicensed foreign operators are banned from the market [2][3].
Online gambling is legal but tightly regulated; only Swiss-licensed operators can offer services, and cryptocurrencies are not permitted for gambling despite their broader legal status in Switzerland [3].
Revenue Distribution
Net profits generated from lotteries and sports betting must be used transparently and entirely for charitable or public welfare causes [1]. A portion of gross gaming revenue from casinos is specifically allocated to Switzerland’s social insurance systems, including old-age, survivors’, and invalidity insurance (pensions) [1].
The Casino Expansion
The Swiss Federal Council has granted permits for gambling at 22 locations for the years 2025 to 2044 [2]. In 2025, new casinos will open in Lausanne and Winterthur, while the casino in Schaffhausen will close due to an incomplete application [4]. Two new online gambling licenses have been issued, potentially increasing competition and state revenues [2].
The re-issued online gambling licenses now allow casinos in Locarno and St. Moritz to offer games on the internet [4]. Abate, president of the Swiss Casino Commission (ESBK), stated that there were no reasons to refuse the existing casino operators the license [4]. All licensed casino operators have met the required requirements.
Focus on Player Protection
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the Justice Minister, emphasized that the protection of players remains the priority, not the revenues [4]. This focus is reflected in the Gambling Act, which ensures that all gambling activities are conducted in a fair, transparent, and secure manner [1].
The Swiss gambling market, with its strict regulations and focus on social responsibility, provides a balance between a controlled market and public welfare. The increased tax revenues generated by casinos, such as the 397 million Swiss francs (approximately 415 million euros) generated in 2022 [2], contribute to the nation's social insurance systems, particularly its pension system. Furthermore, the revival of tourism and economy around casino locations underscores the positive impact of this regulated market.
[1] Swiss Federal Council (2019). Gambling Act (GamblA). Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/20193678/index.html [2] Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority (2022). Gambling in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.gespa.ch/en/gambling-in-switzerland [3] Swiss Federal Council (2021). Cryptocurrencies and gambling in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/202100175/index.html [4] Swiss Federal Council (2022). Permits for gambling at 22 locations for the years 2025 to 2044. Retrieved from https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/202200096/index.html
- Despite the success of the regulated Swiss gambling market in generating revenue for public welfare, such as the 397 million Swiss francs (approximately 415 million euros) generated in 2022, online casinos in Germany may not offer their services due to Switzerland's strict licensing and regulatory policies.
- The expansion of gambling in Switzerland, with the addition of new casinos in Lausanne and Winterthur in 2025, highlights the ongoing gambling trends in Europe, where casino-and-gambling activities continue to grow in popularity, encompassing casino-games and lotteries alike.
