🇨🇭 CH
Gambling licensing in Switzerland
Since 1 January 2019 online casino games may only be offered by Swiss land-based casinos holding a Federal Council concession with an online extension, supervised by the ESBK. Online sports betting and lotteries are large-scale games reserved to the two intercantonal operators, Swisslos and Loterie Romande, supervised by Gespa. Access to unlicensed online gambling sites is blocked by Swiss internet providers.
Information reviewed: 25 September 2026
Regulator and legal framework
- Regulator
- Federal Gaming Board (ESBK) and Intercantonal Gambling Supervisory Authority (Gespa) Visit official website
- Primary framework
- Federal Act on Gambling (Geldspielgesetz, BGS) of 29 September 2017
- Minimum age
- 18
Licence categories
- Casino concession with online extension (ESBK)
- Large-scale games licence — lotteries and sports betting (Gespa)
Key licensee requirements
- Hold a land-based casino concession (2025–2044) and a Federal Council online extension before offering online casino games
- Obtain ESBK approval for each individual online game
- Apply a social concept, including checks against the national exclusion register
- Pay the casino levy to fund old-age and disability insurance
- Operators without a Swiss licence are placed on the ESBK and Gespa block lists
Legislation and standards
Federal Act on Gambling (BGS) of 29 September 2017
In force since 1 January 2019; governs casino games, large-scale games and online gambling.
Gambling Ordinance (VGS)
Sets detailed rules for concessions, online games, social protection and blocking.