Online gambling is considered illegal in Switzerland, though it isn’t exactly enforced. With few records of punishment for online gaming, there are many citizens who enjoy online sportsbooks, casinos and other gambling activities. While the gambling industry is still developing in Switzerland, there are many laws working to be enacted to make the country more gambling friendly. There is a sizeable tax rate for gambling in Switzerland, however as things progress further, there is likely to be many changes in the gambling industry. Among the favorite sports betting opportunities, many of the Swiss citizens love horseracing, football, and skiing.
In 1921, the Swedish government put a countrywide ban on gambling. The legislation remained in place until April 2000, when a new legislature was suggested and passed. The new law didn’t quite overturn the previous ban, though it did allow unlimited gambling in casinos, and gambling itself was permitted. It was the Federal Law on Games of Chance, and it permitted two different categories of gambling to the citizens of Switzerland. Games of chance, which included slots, and games of skill, such as poker, were allowed to be played without a limit. However, only certain areas were prohibited to set up these games of chance. A few years later, it grew to line out casino taxes. While larger casinos, considered type A, had few taxes, type B, or smaller casinos, had hefty ones. The minimum age to participate in gambling activities is 20 years.
The country is prohibited by a 1921 law to organize and establish a national lottery, however the 26 member states are able to set up state lotteries. Over time, it came down to two companies running these lotteries. The Societe de la Loterie de la Suisse Romande and Swisslos. Any form of online gambling, betting or casinos is illegal. However, there is no real way for the government to enforce that, and many citizens choose to use sportsbooks, as well as online casinos for their gambling entertainment. In turn, there are a wide variety of online gaming sites that use software that supports the language, and offers Swiss consumers the ability to make deposits and cash out using their currencies.
It appears as though the Swedish government is working to introduce a similar regulation to the online gaming market, which would legalize the industry and improve income generation to the country. In regards to taxation, the gross revenue from the gambling industry is around 52% at the moment. It’s among the largest taxations among other countries that have legalized local gambling. Switzerland hosts an annual Open Poker Championship towards the end of September. It attracts top talents from all over Switzerland and beyond. It’s typically held at either Grand Casino Bern or Gran Casino Baden.
As the gambling industry develops, Switzerland is likely to widen its markets to online gaming. There are many reputable and respectful Swiss online casinos that cater to Switzerland and its citizens, allowing everyone to experience the excitement and fun of online gaming.