Online casinos are legal in Switzerland under strict regulatory framework established by the Federal Act on Gambling (Gambling Act), which came into force on January 1, 2019 (1). The Swiss gambling market underwent significant reform when Swiss voters approved the new gambling legislation in 2018 with 73% support, modernizing the country's gambling laws for the digital age while maintaining strong consumer protections (1). This comprehensive legislation regulates all forms of money games, including casino games, lotteries, sports betting, and skill-based games, both online and land-based operations.
However, online gambling in Switzerland operates under a highly restrictive licensing system that limits market access exclusively to existing Swiss land-based casino operators (2). The Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority (Gespa) oversees lotteries, sports betting and skill-based games to ensure safe participation for all players, while maintaining strict enforcement against illegal gambling operations (2). Switzerland offers a wide range of attractive legal gambling opportunities under proper regulatory supervision, with Gespa specifically focused on fighting illegal gambling and preventing problem gambling behaviors.
"The new Gambling Act implements this constitutional article and permits new games, in particular on the internet. The rules remain unchanged. Providers of these new games must also pay levies towards the general good."
The regulatory framework ensures that all licensed operators must comply with stringent player protection measures, including mandatory age verification procedures, addiction prevention programs, and contribution to social causes through gaming levies (1). Gespa maintains comprehensive oversight by preparing annual reports on gambling behavior, conducting controls to protect minors, and actively fighting illegal gambling through various enforcement mechanisms (2). This protective approach balances the availability of legal gambling options with comprehensive safeguards against gambling-related harm, making Switzerland's online casino market one of the most tightly regulated in Europe.
Source:
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/votes/20180610/Federal-Act-on-Gambling.html
https://www.gespa.ch/en
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
