{"id":129648,"date":"2026-06-29T21:03:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:03:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T21:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:03:39","slug":"switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Swiss Regulator Warns of Rising Illegal Gambling in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Illegal Online Gambling Expands in Switzerland \u2013 Regulator Warns of Growing Pressure on Licensed Casino Market<\/p>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"key-takeaways\" title=\"Key Takeaways\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Switzerland\u2019s casino regulator ESBK reports that illegal online gambling increased significantly in 2025.<\/li><li>Land-based casino gross gaming revenue fell 3.9% to CHF564.9m, while online revenue rose 1.2% to CHF313.6m.<\/li><li>Combined casino gross gaming revenue declined 2.1% year-on-year to CHF878.4m.<\/li><li>The ESBK conducted 28 searches, opened 105 criminal investigations and ordered the blocking of 580 illegal domains in 2025.<\/li><li>Casinos generated nearly CHF396m in gaming taxes, with most funds allocated to social insurance schemes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"new-concessions-framework-reshapes-swiss-casino-market\" title=\"New Concessions Framework Reshapes Swiss Casino Market\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Concessions Framework Reshapes Swiss Casino Market<\/h2>\n\n<p>In 2025, Switzerland introduced a new concessions framework governing casinos across the cantons under a 20-year licensing cycle. The reform affected both land-based and online operations and led to a series of structural changes in the market.<\/p>\n\n<p>By the end of 2025, Switzerland had 20 land-based casinos. Of these, nine operated online casino brands. Casino Locarno secured the tenth online casino licence under the Federal Gambling Act, known as the Geldspielgesetz, and is set to expand the regulated digital offering.<\/p>\n\n<p>The new concession period also resulted in closures and market exits. Casino Winterthur entered the market following the closure of Casino Schaffhausen. Casino St Moritz ceased operations permanently after financial difficulties. In the online segment, Casino Basel and Casino Montreux exited the market, while Casino Mendrisio launched its online casino after receiving regulatory approval.<\/p>\n\n<p>These changes reflect an ongoing adjustment process as operators respond to evolving consumer behaviour and shifting commercial conditions under the updated licensing regime.<\/p>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"revenue-decline-despite-online-growth\" title=\"Revenue Decline Despite Online Growth\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Revenue Decline Despite Online Growth<\/h2>\n\n<p>Financial results from 2025 show diverging trends between land-based and online casinos.<\/p>\n\n<p>Land-based gross gaming revenue declined by 3.9% to CHF564.9m. Online casinos recorded growth of 1.2%, reaching CHF313.6m. Despite the online increase, total combined gross gaming revenue fell by 2.1% year-on-year to CHF878.4m.<\/p>\n\n<p>The figures indicate that online growth did not fully offset the decline in retail casino performance. This shift in revenue distribution highlights the increasing role of digital channels within Switzerland\u2019s tightly controlled gambling framework, which permits only licensed land-based casinos to offer online casino games.<\/p>\n\n<p>For users evaluating licensed operators, this structure means that online casino brands in Switzerland remain directly linked to domestic land-based concession holders.<\/p>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"tax-contributions-remain-significant\" title=\"Tax Contributions Remain Significant\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tax Contributions Remain Significant<\/h2>\n\n<p>Although overall revenue declined, regulated casinos continued to generate substantial public income.<\/p>\n\n<p>In 2025, casinos paid almost CHF396m in gaming taxes. Approximately CHF353m was allocated to Switzerland\u2019s Old Age and Survivors\u2019 Insurance and Disability Insurance schemes. A further CHF43m was distributed to cantons hosting B-concession casinos.<\/p>\n\n<p>These allocations underline the fiscal importance of the regulated casino sector within Switzerland\u2019s public financing model. The concession system is designed not only to control market access but also to channel gambling revenue into social insurance and regional budgets.<\/p>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"regulator-reports-surge-in-illegal-gambling-activity\" title=\"Regulator Reports Surge in Illegal Gambling Activity\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regulator Reports Surge in Illegal Gambling Activity<\/h2>\n\n<p>Alongside market restructuring and revenue shifts, the Swiss Federal Gaming Board, known as ESBK, issued a warning about the expansion of illegal online gambling.<\/p>\n\n<p>According to ESBK President Fabio Abate, the offer of illegal online games increased significantly in 2025 and now affects the whole of Europe. He stated that unlicensed platforms are neither safe nor transparent and expose players, particularly younger consumers, to greater risks. He also noted that illegal gambling undermines the consumer protection objectives embedded in Switzerland\u2019s concession model.<\/p>\n\n<p>In response, the regulator intensified enforcement measures throughout the year. The ESBK conducted 28 searches, initiated 105 criminal investigations and completed 98 cases. It also ordered the blocking of 580 illegal gambling domains targeting Swiss consumers.<\/p>\n\n<p>Abate highlighted that many investigative powers currently rely on administrative criminal legislation dating back to 1974. He stated that authorities must have appropriate means to counter a phenomenon that is spreading rapidly and described illegal gambling as a highly profitable source of income for organised criminal groups across Europe\u2019s wealthiest markets.<\/p>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"review-of-player-protection-and-exclusion-register\" title=\"Review of Player Protection and Exclusion Register\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review of Player Protection and Exclusion Register<\/h2>\n\n<p>Beyond enforcement, the ESBK has started reviewing elements of Switzerland\u2019s player protection framework.<\/p>\n\n<p>The regulator is examining how the national gambling exclusion register operates, particularly in cases where customers are excluded after refusing to provide financial information rather than showing clear signs of gambling related harm.<\/p>\n\n<p>While maintaining that Switzerland\u2019s high standards of player protection must be preserved, Abate indicated that safeguards should not inadvertently encourage consumers to migrate to illegal gambling websites. The review therefore focuses on balancing protective measures with the objective of keeping players within the regulated environment.<\/p>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"call-for-stronger-cross-border-cooperation\" title=\"Call for Stronger Cross Border Cooperation\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Call for Stronger Cross Border Cooperation<\/h2>\n\n<p>Looking ahead, the ESBK considers cross border cooperation increasingly important in addressing illegal gambling.<\/p>\n\n<p>Abate concluded that deeper collaboration between European regulators, combined with more effective prevention measures, will be essential to protect licensed markets against the growing influence of unlicensed operators.<\/p>\n\n<p>The warning positions illegal online gambling not only as a domestic enforcement issue but as a broader European challenge affecting regulated markets operating under strict licensing systems.<\/p>\n\n<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"our-assessment\" title=\"Our Assessment\"><\/span><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Assessment<\/h2>\n\n<p>The ESBK\u2019s 2025 report shows a regulated Swiss casino market undergoing structural change under a new 20-year concession framework, with online revenue rising modestly while land-based revenue declines. At the same time, enforcement data point to a significant increase in illegal online gambling activity, prompting expanded investigations and domain blocking measures. The regulator is reviewing both its investigative tools and aspects of its player protection system, while calling for stronger cross border cooperation to safeguard the integrity and fiscal contribution of the licensed casino sector.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"gambling-disclaimer\">\n\t<p>\n\t\tWe have imposed strict editorial guidelines on ourselves and explain our testing methods openly and comprehensively. We also communicate transparently how our work is financed. This site may contain tracking links, but this does not influence our objective view in any way.\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Switzerland\u2019s casino regulator ESBK reports a significant rise in illegal online gambling in 2025. Land-based revenue declined while enforcement actions and domain blocks increased.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":129647,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"news_crypto_coin":[],"class_list":["post-129648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail"],"acf":{"faqs":null,"sort_number":999,"sort_number_no_override":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Switzerland Warns Illegal Gambling Is Rising<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Switzerland\u2019s ESBK reports rising illegal online gambling in 2025 as casino revenue declines and enforcement actions increase under new concessions.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kryptocasinos.com EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Switzerland\u2019s ESBK reports rising illegal online gambling in 2025 as casino revenue declines and enforcement actions increase under new concessions.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kryptocasinos.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kryptocasinoscomm\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-29T19:03:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1408\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"736\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Isabella Brown\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Isabella Brown\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Isabella Brown\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/badee6a5ed8b6777da5bd380d112bcdc\"},\"headline\":\"Swiss Regulator Warns of Rising Illegal Gambling in 2025\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-29T21:03:39+02:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/\"},\"wordCount\":900,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#respond\"]}],\"description\":\"\",\"isAccessibleForFree\":true,\"articleBody\":\"Illegal Online Gambling Expands in Switzerland - Regulator Warns of Growing Pressure on Licensed Casino Market\\n\\nKey Takeaways\\n\\nSwitzerland\u2019s casino regulator ESBK reports that illegal online gambling increased significantly in 2025.Land-based casino gross gaming revenue fell 3.9% to CHF564.9m, while online revenue rose 1.2% to CHF313.6m.Combined casino gross gaming revenue declined 2.1% year-on-year to CHF878.4m.The ESBK conducted 28 searches, opened 105 criminal investigations and ordered the blocking of 580 illegal domains in 2025.Casinos generated nearly CHF396m in gaming taxes, with most funds allocated to social insurance schemes.\\n\\nNew Concessions Framework Reshapes Swiss Casino Market\\n\\nIn 2025, Switzerland introduced a new concessions framework governing casinos across the cantons under a 20-year licensing cycle. The reform affected both land-based and online operations and led to a series of structural changes in the market.\\n\\nBy the end of 2025, Switzerland had 20 land-based casinos. Of these, nine operated online casino brands. Casino Locarno secured the tenth online casino licence under the Federal Gambling Act, known as the Geldspielgesetz, and is set to expand the regulated digital offering.\\n\\nThe new concession period also resulted in closures and market exits. Casino Winterthur entered the market following the closure of Casino Schaffhausen. Casino St Moritz ceased operations permanently after financial difficulties. In the online segment, Casino Basel and Casino Montreux exited the market, while Casino Mendrisio launched its online casino after receiving regulatory approval.\\n\\nThese changes reflect an ongoing adjustment process as operators respond to evolving consumer behaviour and shifting commercial conditions under the updated licensing regime.\\n\\nRevenue Decline Despite Online Growth\\n\\nFinancial results from 2025 show diverging trends between land-based and online casinos.\\n\\nLand-based gross gaming revenue declined by 3.9% to CHF564.9m. Online casinos recorded growth of 1.2%, reaching CHF313.6m. Despite the online increase, total combined gross gaming revenue fell by 2.1% year-on-year to CHF878.4m.\\n\\nThe figures indicate that online growth did not fully offset the decline in retail casino performance. This shift in revenue distribution highlights the increasing role of digital channels within Switzerland\u2019s tightly controlled gambling framework, which permits only licensed land-based casinos to offer online casino games.\\n\\nFor users evaluating licensed operators, this structure means that online casino brands in Switzerland remain directly linked to domestic land-based concession holders.\\n\\nTax Contributions Remain Significant\\n\\nAlthough overall revenue declined, regulated casinos continued to generate substantial public income.\\n\\nIn 2025, casinos paid almost CHF396m in gaming taxes. Approximately CHF353m was allocated to Switzerland\u2019s Old Age and Survivors\u2019 Insurance and Disability Insurance schemes. A further CHF43m was distributed to cantons hosting B-concession casinos.\\n\\nThese allocations underline the fiscal importance of the regulated casino sector within Switzerland\u2019s public financing model. The concession system is designed not only to control market access but also to channel gambling revenue into social insurance and regional budgets.\\n\\nRegulator Reports Surge in Illegal Gambling Activity\\n\\nAlongside market restructuring and revenue shifts, the Swiss Federal Gaming Board, known as ESBK, issued a warning about the expansion of illegal online gambling.\\n\\nAccording to ESBK President Fabio Abate, the offer of illegal online games increased significantly in 2025 and now affects the whole of Europe. He stated that unlicensed platforms are neither safe nor transparent and expose players, particularly younger consumers, to greater risks. He also noted that illegal gambling undermines the consumer protection objectives embedded in Switzerland\u2019s concession model.\\n\\nIn response, the regulator intensified enforcement measures throughout the year. The ESBK conducted 28 searches, initiated 105 criminal investigations and completed 98 cases. It also ordered the blocking of 580 illegal gambling domains targeting Swiss consumers.\\n\\nAbate highlighted that many investigative powers currently rely on administrative criminal legislation dating back to 1974. He stated that authorities must have appropriate means to counter a phenomenon that is spreading rapidly and described illegal gambling as a highly profitable source of income for organised criminal groups across Europe\u2019s wealthiest markets.\\n\\nReview of Player Protection and Exclusion Register\\n\\nBeyond enforcement, the ESBK has started reviewing elements of Switzerland\u2019s player protection framework.\\n\\nThe regulator is examining how the national gambling exclusion register operates, particularly in cases where customers are excluded after refusing to provide financial information rather than showing clear signs of gambling related harm.\\n\\nWhile maintaining that Switzerland\u2019s high standards of player protection must be preserved, Abate indicated that safeguards should not inadvertently encourage consumers to migrate to illegal gambling websites. The review therefore focuses on balancing protective measures with the objective of keeping players within the regulated environment.\\n\\nCall for Stronger Cross Border Cooperation\\n\\nLooking ahead, the ESBK considers cross border cooperation increasingly important in addressing illegal gambling.\\n\\nAbate concluded that deeper collaboration between European regulators, combined with more effective prevention measures, will be essential to protect licensed markets against the growing influence of unlicensed operators.\\n\\nThe warning positions illegal online gambling not only as a domestic enforcement issue but as a broader European challenge affecting regulated markets operating under strict licensing systems.\\n\\nOur Assessment\\n\\nThe ESBK\u2019s 2025 report shows a regulated Swiss casino market undergoing structural change under a new 20-year concession framework, with online revenue rising modestly while land-based revenue declines. At the same time, enforcement data point to a significant increase in illegal online gambling activity, prompting expanded investigations and domain blocking measures. The regulator is reviewing both its investigative tools and aspects of its player protection system, while calling for stronger cross border cooperation to safeguard the integrity and fiscal contribution of the licensed casino sector.\\n\\n\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/\",\"name\":\"Switzerland Warns Illegal Gambling Is Rising\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-29T21:03:39+02:00\",\"description\":\"Switzerland\u2019s ESBK reports rising illegal online gambling in 2025 as casino revenue declines and enforcement actions increase under new concessions.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg\",\"width\":1408,\"height\":736,\"caption\":\"Close-up of a red warning sign with a dice and playing cards against a dark background with digital code patterns.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Swiss Regulator Warns of Rising Illegal Gambling in 2025\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Kryptocasinos.com\",\"description\":\"\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Kryptocasinos.com\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg\",\"width\":109,\"height\":34,\"caption\":\"Kryptocasinos.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kryptocasinoscomm\/\"],\"description\":\"Explore the best crypto casinos for %%currentyear%%. Compare top Bitcoin gambling sites by payouts, bonuses, KYC, and supported coins, with hands-on testing.\",\"address\":{\"@type\":\"PostalAddress\",\"streetAddress\":\"557 Fuk Wing St\",\"addressLocality\":\"Cheung Sha Wan\",\"addressRegion\":\"HK\",\"postalCode\":\"999077\",\"addressCountry\":\"CN\"},\"contactPoint\":{\"@type\":\"ContactPoint\",\"email\":\"contact@kryptocasinos.com\"},\"foundingDate\":\"2021-03-27\",\"email\":\"hello@kryptocasinos.com\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"11\",\"maxValue\":\"50\"},\"publishingPrinciples\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/editorial-guidelines\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/badee6a5ed8b6777da5bd380d112bcdc\",\"name\":\"Isabella Brown\",\"description\":\"Online Gambling, Greece and my dog Gringo are my three favorite things in my life. 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The reform affected both land-based and online operations and led to a series of structural changes in the market.\n\nBy the end of 2025, Switzerland had 20 land-based casinos. Of these, nine operated online casino brands. Casino Locarno secured the tenth online casino licence under the Federal Gambling Act, known as the Geldspielgesetz, and is set to expand the regulated digital offering.\n\nThe new concession period also resulted in closures and market exits. Casino Winterthur entered the market following the closure of Casino Schaffhausen. Casino St Moritz ceased operations permanently after financial difficulties. In the online segment, Casino Basel and Casino Montreux exited the market, while Casino Mendrisio launched its online casino after receiving regulatory approval.\n\nThese changes reflect an ongoing adjustment process as operators respond to evolving consumer behaviour and shifting commercial conditions under the updated licensing regime.\n\nRevenue Decline Despite Online Growth\n\nFinancial results from 2025 show diverging trends between land-based and online casinos.\n\nLand-based gross gaming revenue declined by 3.9% to CHF564.9m. Online casinos recorded growth of 1.2%, reaching CHF313.6m. Despite the online increase, total combined gross gaming revenue fell by 2.1% year-on-year to CHF878.4m.\n\nThe figures indicate that online growth did not fully offset the decline in retail casino performance. This shift in revenue distribution highlights the increasing role of digital channels within Switzerland\u2019s tightly controlled gambling framework, which permits only licensed land-based casinos to offer online casino games.\n\nFor users evaluating licensed operators, this structure means that online casino brands in Switzerland remain directly linked to domestic land-based concession holders.\n\nTax Contributions Remain Significant\n\nAlthough overall revenue declined, regulated casinos continued to generate substantial public income.\n\nIn 2025, casinos paid almost CHF396m in gaming taxes. Approximately CHF353m was allocated to Switzerland\u2019s Old Age and Survivors\u2019 Insurance and Disability Insurance schemes. A further CHF43m was distributed to cantons hosting B-concession casinos.\n\nThese allocations underline the fiscal importance of the regulated casino sector within Switzerland\u2019s public financing model. The concession system is designed not only to control market access but also to channel gambling revenue into social insurance and regional budgets.\n\nRegulator Reports Surge in Illegal Gambling Activity\n\nAlongside market restructuring and revenue shifts, the Swiss Federal Gaming Board, known as ESBK, issued a warning about the expansion of illegal online gambling.\n\nAccording to ESBK President Fabio Abate, the offer of illegal online games increased significantly in 2025 and now affects the whole of Europe. He stated that unlicensed platforms are neither safe nor transparent and expose players, particularly younger consumers, to greater risks. He also noted that illegal gambling undermines the consumer protection objectives embedded in Switzerland\u2019s concession model.\n\nIn response, the regulator intensified enforcement measures throughout the year. The ESBK conducted 28 searches, initiated 105 criminal investigations and completed 98 cases. It also ordered the blocking of 580 illegal gambling domains targeting Swiss consumers.\n\nAbate highlighted that many investigative powers currently rely on administrative criminal legislation dating back to 1974. He stated that authorities must have appropriate means to counter a phenomenon that is spreading rapidly and described illegal gambling as a highly profitable source of income for organised criminal groups across Europe\u2019s wealthiest markets.\n\nReview of Player Protection and Exclusion Register\n\nBeyond enforcement, the ESBK has started reviewing elements of Switzerland\u2019s player protection framework.\n\nThe regulator is examining how the national gambling exclusion register operates, particularly in cases where customers are excluded after refusing to provide financial information rather than showing clear signs of gambling related harm.\n\nWhile maintaining that Switzerland\u2019s high standards of player protection must be preserved, Abate indicated that safeguards should not inadvertently encourage consumers to migrate to illegal gambling websites. The review therefore focuses on balancing protective measures with the objective of keeping players within the regulated environment.\n\nCall for Stronger Cross Border Cooperation\n\nLooking ahead, the ESBK considers cross border cooperation increasingly important in addressing illegal gambling.\n\nAbate concluded that deeper collaboration between European regulators, combined with more effective prevention measures, will be essential to protect licensed markets against the growing influence of unlicensed operators.\n\nThe warning positions illegal online gambling not only as a domestic enforcement issue but as a broader European challenge affecting regulated markets operating under strict licensing systems.\n\nOur Assessment\n\nThe ESBK\u2019s 2025 report shows a regulated Swiss casino market undergoing structural change under a new 20-year concession framework, with online revenue rising modestly while land-based revenue declines. At the same time, enforcement data point to a significant increase in illegal online gambling activity, prompting expanded investigations and domain blocking measures. The regulator is reviewing both its investigative tools and aspects of its player protection system, while calling for stronger cross border cooperation to safeguard the integrity and fiscal contribution of the licensed casino sector.\n\n"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/","name":"Switzerland Warns Illegal Gambling Is Rising","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg","datePublished":"2026-06-29T21:03:39+02:00","description":"Switzerland\u2019s ESBK reports rising illegal online gambling in 2025 as casino revenue declines and enforcement actions increase under new concessions.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025.jpg","width":1408,"height":736,"caption":"Close-up of a red warning sign with a dice and playing cards against a dark background with digital code patterns."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/switzerland-illegal-online-gambling-warning-2025\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Swiss Regulator Warns of Rising Illegal Gambling in 2025"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/","name":"Kryptocasinos.com","description":"","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Kryptocasinos.com","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg","width":109,"height":34,"caption":"Kryptocasinos.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kryptocasinoscomm\/"],"description":"Explore the best crypto casinos for %%currentyear%%. 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Before working for Kryptocasinos.com I was leading the content team of an iGaming Online magazine where I was focused on researching casinos, their licenses and the connection between the members of the industry.","birthDate":"1995-02-13","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/author\/isabella\/"}]}},"yoast_meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Switzerland Warns Illegal Gambling Is Rising","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Switzerland\u2019s ESBK reports rising illegal online gambling in 2025 as casino revenue declines and enforcement actions increase under new concessions."},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=129648"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129648\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/129647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=129648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=129648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=129648"},{"taxonomy":"news_crypto_coin","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news_crypto_coin?post=129648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}