In a landmark choice following the Switzerland on line casino business’s delegate assembly on May 22, the Swiss Federal Council has unveiled new laws for on line casino licenses, set to begin in January 2025. These licenses can be granted for 20 years, introducing new casinos and reinforcing business requirements.
New Casinos in Prilly and Winterthur
As a part of the brand new licensing framework, new casinos have been accepted in Prilly and Winterthur. Notably, the Winterthur on line casino will exchange the present venue in Schaffhausen, as no software was submitted for the latter location. This shift underscores the evolving panorama of Switzerland’s playing business.
Gerhard Pfister, President of the Swiss Casino Association, hailed the brand new licenses as a historic milestone for Switzerland’s playing sector. “The granting of the new concessions is a milestone,” Pfister said. “The federal government has recognised that today’s casinos ensure safe and responsible operations and generate great economic benefits in their region.”
Enhanced Industry Collaboration
The Swiss Casino Group venues in Zurich, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, and Pfäffikon have unanimously joined the Swiss Casino Association. Winterthur will even submit a membership software as soon as it opens. This growth signifies that all 21 land-based and 10 on-line casinos in Switzerland at the moment are members of the Swiss Casino Association.
Pfister emphasised the advantages of this unified collaboration, stating, “I’m pleased that Swiss Casinos has joined the association and with it the entire casino industry with one voice can speak.” Marc Baumann, a board member of Swiss Casinos, added, “The online business is changing the Swiss casino industry sustainably. We are happy to work together with the Swiss Casino Association to help shape the future.”
Revenue Trends: Land-Based vs. Online Casinos
In 2023, Switzerland’s land-based casinos skilled a slight decline in income, producing CHF 623 million in gross gaming income (GGR), down 1.1% from the earlier 12 months. Conversely, on-line casinos noticed important development, accumulating CHF 286 million in GGR, a 14.3% year-on-year improve. This development displays a broader shift in the direction of digital choices within the playing business.
Casinos additionally noticed a 3% improve in tax contributions, with the state receiving CHF 409.3 million in 2023. Over the previous 20 years, Swiss casinos have contributed over CHF 8 billion in taxes, primarily benefiting the nation’s AHV pension system.
Record Profits for Loterie Romande
In associated information, the Loterie Romande public lottery reported a internet revenue improve to CHF 5.1 million for 2023. The lottery will distribute a report CHF 243.7 million to good causes, regardless of a 3.4% drop in gross gaming income to CHF 420.7 million.
Jean-René Fournier, Chairman of Loterie Romande, attributed the revenue rise to stringent administration of working prices, enhanced digital choices, and the introduction of the EuroDreams draw recreation. “This result can be attributed in particular to the rigorous management of operating costs, the strengthening of our digital offering, and – with the launch of the European draw game EuroDreams in October 2023 – the diversity of our product range,” Fournier defined.
The Swiss Federal Council’s new on line casino licensing laws mark a major evolution within the nation’s playing business. With new casinos in Prilly and Winterthur and a bolstered business collaboration via the Swiss Casino Association, the way forward for Swiss playing appears to be like sturdy and promising. As the sector shifts more and more in the direction of on-line gaming, these new laws guarantee a balanced strategy to development and accountable operations.
Source: “Switzerland federal council grants all casinos new licences from 2025”. May 24, 2024.
