Switzerland

Officially entering the world of online gambling jurisdictions, Switzerland is one of many countries that embraced worldwide gambling legalization efforts in order to bridge the gap between patrons’ proclivities, proper national regulations, and emerging technology advances.

As a result, Swiss iGaming market is fully established on July 1, 2019.

Enjoying in benefits of rich gambling history and regulated land-based market since 2000, national online jurisdiction, in a way, an extension of the existing gambling market.

Legal Framework

All gambling activities, online and offline, are governed by the Money Gambling Act (MGA) enacted in 2018, which unified all previous legal acts under a single umbrella.

The MGA makes all gambling activities in Switzerland legal for all residents and foreign tourists over 18 years of age or older.

Enforced in the online realm by the Federal Gaming Commission (ESBK), the MGA consists of several peculiar provisions which directly reflect on licensing process and overall diversity of online gaming providers and offerings.

Licensing

The MGA stipulates that only terrestrial casino licenses holders already operating under national regulations’ aegis can offer and utilize online gambling services.

Consequentially…

The opportunity to hold iGaming licenses are given only to land-based gambling houses already in possession of a license to operate.

Thus, no foreign operators are allowed to enter the Swiss market unless they enter a partnership with local license-holders.

To be granted iGaming license, the casino needs to submit a request for extension of (land-based) concession and to establish the commercial viability of its service. On the other hand, operators’ suppliers are not required to possess licenses but can provide services only to licensed operators.

All interested parties (e.g. established casino operators) are to undergo software certification by the Federal Gaming Commission before their online licenses are green-lighted.

In reality, this also means Swiss internet service providers are obliged to block internationally licensed gambling sites trying to entice local players in online gambling.

Player Protection

Whilst in theory the licensing setup sounds prudent — only those with previous experience in running casinos are allowed to operate its online cousins — it will take some time to see the results, particularly in the domain of patrons’ safety.

Namely, there is still to be seen how the quality control of software code, RNG procedures, and source testing will be handled. Documented assurances of payout tables’ configurations should not be the issue, but the volume of reportable information by providers still has to be seen (namely, relevant patrons’ financial and KYC data, duration of a session, identification of software version, applicable business processes, and such).

Considering the long lasting determination of Swiss society to prevent and suppress gambling addiction, online players are apparently to enjoy proper levels of protection. Underlining this notion, the MGA raises players’ protection bar higher both for the cantons and gaming providers.

They are obliged to provide specialized support service when it comes to counseling facilities preventing gambling problems; safeguarding measures are to be instilled, while games’ distribution channels will be monitored by the Federal Gaming Commission (ESBK).

In addition, the MGA stipulates various provisions striving for more transparent gaming operations, particularly in the domain of sports competitions.

Sign Off

As a young jurisdiction, Switzerland will surely face some period of time needed for all nuts and bolts to fit in seamlessly. Swiss customary progressiveness, efficiency, and precision, not to mention strong institutions and tradition, can only contribute to establishing smooth iGaming market.

But…

As is the case with any online gambling jurisdictions, please make sure to check all relevant material and particularly the experience of others before you make the final decision and deploy your online funds.

Pay attention to all details, make yourself well informed, play responsible, stay prudent, have good luck and, above all, good fun, which is what gambling is all about!