Online betting and bookmakers in Switzerland

The Swiss are very proud of their international athletes such as tennis player Roger Federer, cycle racer Fabian Cancellara and alpine skier Didier Cuche, among others. They also love online sports betting, which allows them to enjoy themselves at home. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about online gambling in this country.

What does the law say about betting in Switzerland?

In Europe, as everywhere else in the world, there are generally regulations on gambling. On the whole, these activities are strictly forbidden to minors. Countries may then add additional laws to regulate the sector.

In Switzerland, the law enacted in June 2018 states that only casinos and lotteries domiciled in the country are allowed to offer online sports betting and poker, roulette, etc. Bookmakers not established in the country are illegal and inaccessible. By the end of 2019, 83 foreign gambling portals had been blocked.

As a result, when you open an account, the sites ask for a great deal of information to avoid any problems with the authorities. Naturally, you must be 18 years old and a resident of Switzerland. And you must not have been banned from gambling in the past.

Where do the Swiss gamble?

In Switzerland, two long-established companies have a monopoly on betting and lotteries: Loterie Romande and Loterie Swisslos. You are free to play on their sites, without fear of any penalties. These operators offer major lotteries such as the euro-million, as well as sports betting.

At the same time, foreign bookmakers have gradually entered the Swiss market and are now operating legally. 22Bet is at the forefront, with a very wide range of sports and competitions. Football fans will find bets on the big games, but also offers on the smaller league matches. The odds are high, but from a financial point of view, it is above all the welcome bonuses and recurring promotions that attract players. The platform accepts numerous payment methods for depositing your bets and withdrawing your winnings. All transactions are protected. However, 1xBet is not available in the country.