Four Swiss casinos apply for iGaming licenses
The gaming regulator received four applications from swiss casinos to operate online gambling in the country.
Switzerland.- The online gaming segment continues to grow and Switzerland wants to take advantage of it. Regulator Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (ESBK) recently received four applications from swiss casinos that seek iGaming licenses.
Grand Casino Baden, Casino Davos, Grand Casino Luzern and Casino Zürichsee have all applied to operate online.
The Swiss Legislature recently passed the new domestic Gaming Act and it was enforced on January 1, 2019. It sets a strict prohibition for foreign online gambling operators but legalises land-based casinos to apply for licenses.
The ESBK must take a first look into the requests. Afterwards, the Swiss National Council, the Bundesrat, will decide whether to grant the permits, expectedly before July.
The Gambling Act
Voters from Switzerland overwhelmingly backed a new online gambling law that requires gaming companies to be certified by the government in order to operate online and in the country. The bill that also aims to prevent addiction received 73 per cent of support from voters who cast ballots.
The results mark the first time that Swiss firms will be able to offer online gambling services in a market where foreign companies are not welcomed. Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga voiced her support and said that the bill was indispensable to ensure that strict rules are followed.
