Switzerland to block unlicensed betting sites

19 Jun 2018

Switzerland witnessed an important referendum on Sunday when voters gave the green light on a new gambling law. According to the new regulation, foreign betting sites will be blocked as a means to help problem gamblers battle their addiction, unless they are licensed in Switzerland. However, there was significant opposition to the new law by people that considered it to be a form of Internet censorship. Out of all the people that participated, 72.9% voted for the new regulation, with only 1/3 of eligible voters having participated in the referendum.

The government mentioned that a new update on the Gambling Act was much needed in order to enable player protection in the digital era as well as enhance procedures that help fight problem gambling for vulnerable players. The legislation framework is due to be introduced next year and will only allow Swiss-licensed operators, both land-based and online, to legally operate in Switzerland. This development marks the official advent of online gambling in the region.

Those who oppose the new law described it as "methods worthy of an authoritarian state" as well as causing extensive censorship of the Internet and doesn't abide with contemporary digital protection tactics. Luzian Franzini, co-president of The Greens' youth wing, claimed that the new regulation might have potentially disturbing results and does not set a good example. Simonetta Sommaruga, Swiss Justice Minister, claimed that the only way to control who operates in the Swiss gambling market is through this new strict framework.

The well-known organisation for fighting problem gambling "Addiction Switzerland" came out with shocking statistics. According to them, 75,000 people suffer from problem gambling, a phenomenon that's tormenting the country as a whole. The concept behind the new law is for the operators' proceedings to be taxed in Switzerland and then directed towards funding of anti-gambling programs and organizations.

Swiss players spend 250 million per year on casino and betting sites that are not licensed in Switzerland and do not, as a result, contribute to any taxes towards the country, according to the Swiss government . The new law is an effective way to battle this gigantic financial leakage and help direct it towards beneficial causes.

Bet on the top Swiss Bookmakers for 2019

Join and grab exclusive bonuses, daily offers and free bets!

Lay hands on exclusive daily bonuses for members only. These promos are limited and are not advertised on the website.

Yes, I have read the Terms & Conditions and I consent to receiving emails from Bookmakers.bet regarding betting promotions, betting guides and news.

BOOK SPY
UFC 286: Edwards vs Usman Odds & Preview Featured Image

One of the biggest UFC events of the year takes place on Saturday, March 18 at the 02 Arena in London. UFC 286, starting at 19.00 local time, features...

Read more »

22bet Awarded EPL Jerseys To Five Lucky Bettors Featured Image

Five of 22bet’s Kenyan users have received English Premier League jerseys after successfully predicting the correct score of Manchester United v...

Read more »

Betting Preview And Odds For Formula 1 2023 Season Featured Image

On March 3-5, the 24th Bahrain Grand Prix will mark the return of Formula One for its first full weekend of the new 2023 season. Max Verstappen, who h...

Read more »

Bet-at-home To Use EveryMatrix’s Sports Betting Platform Featured Image

European bookmaker Bet-at-home has launched its new sports betting solution from EveryMatrix, replacing its present platform. EveryMatrix’s Odds...

Read more »

Stake.com Becomes Official Partner Of Alfa Romeo F1 Team Featured Image

The renowned crypto bookmaker Stake.com recently signed a deal with Alfa Romeo F1 Team to become their name sponsor. The partnership is going to stand...

Read more »

1xBet Issues Press Release To Shoot Down Allegations Featured Image

On 25/1/2023, 1xBet issued a press release to shoot down claims from a recent article, that came to light stating that the bookmaker is currently faci...

Read more »

Stake.com Pays Out On Arsenal As Premier League Champions Featured Image

The online sportsbook Stake.com has already paid out on outright bets on Arsenal to win the league, as they went onto 50 points after 19 games with a ...

Read more »

1xBet Nominee In Multiple Categories At 2023 IG Awards Featured Image

Established back in 2007, 1xBet is considered one of the leaders in the sports betting industry. Therefore, the 11 nominations the brand received for ...

Read more »

BetConstruct Cryptocurrency Transactions Allowed By MGA Featured Image

The Malta Gaming Authority has given BetConstruct, a member of the Vivaro Limited Group, permission to begin accepting bitcoin and other cryptocurrenc...

Read more »

Newcastle United Odds On Premier League Top-4 Finish Slashed Featured Image

Following an emphatic 3-0 away victory against Leicester on Boxing Day, Newcastle United have established their spot in the English Premier League Top...

Read more »

LATEST BOOKMAKER PROMOTIONS
bookmaker banner
bookmaker banner