Switzerland lotteries’ charities decline in 2018

Switzerland lotteries’ charitable projects money raised dropped to €525.6 million during last year.

Switzerland.- Loterie Romande and Swisslos, Switzerland lottery operators, reported poor results in 2018. Money raised for charitable projects across the country dropped to €525.6 million in 2018.

Inter-Cantonal Lotteries and Betting Commission (Comlot) figures showed that GGR rose 0.4% year-on-year to €841.7 million. €461.4 million were contributed by draw-based games, which meant a 2.1% decrease. However, games grew to €501.6 million and sports betting revenue rose to €56.2 million.

Swisslos posted most of the revenue (€493.5 million) as it covers Switzerland’s 20 German-speaking cantons. Still, it was flat in comparison with 2017 and saw a 2.4% decline in draw-based games revenue.

Loterie Romande covers the French-speaking cantons and saw revenue grow to €346 million. Meanwhile, draw-based games revenue fell to €134.7 million, as gaming was flat reaching €174 million and sports betting revenue barely up to €37.4 million.

Comlot didn’t reveal its detailed results but had a profit for 2018 at €524.8 million, down 1.3% year-on-year.

The body will expand its role in regulating online gaming as the market launches on July 1. Grand Casino Baden, Casino Davos, Grand Casino Luzern and Casino Zürichsee all will enter the brand new market. That way, Comlot will be in charge of oversight of inter-cantonal and online skill games. Furthermore, it will order ISPs to block unlicensed websites. “Comlot is pleased to tackle these upcoming challenges, supported by modernised regulations,” it said.