Roulette in the casino, poker tournaments, or sports betting – not all forms of gambling are allowed. Here are the answers to the most important questions.
Online poker games or online casino games are very popular. You can always find an online table with willing players, even at 4 am.
If there's a major football competition like the World Cup, the European Championship, or the Champions League final, then suddenly everyone wants to have a bet. Little wonder – there's so much chance in it that even those with no knowledge at all of football have a good chance of winning. And it's especially satisfying for the casual fan to beat the football enthusiasts.
But can you even participate? The Gambling Act 2025 has the answers.
The scoop on betting, gambling, competitions, and more.
Online Gambling
Online games of chance like poker, blackjack, and roulette are permitted – as long as they're run by licensed Swiss casinos. These casinos must have an extended license. Unlicensed games are blocked.
The Swiss Federal Gaming Board also maintains a record of gambling services that are unlicensed and therefore illegal.
Online Sports Betting
Which team scores the next goal? How many goals are there until the end of the game? Swisslos and Loterie Romande offer live bets that can be placed while a game is in progress.
For internet gambling, gamblers must be of legal age, provide personal details, and verify their identities.
People who bet on prohibited sites aren't necessarily doing something illegal, but they are taking a risk of losing their money – for instance, if the site is shut down unexpectedly. Money can also be confiscated by the authorities if they take legal action against the illegal operator.
Private Gambling in Small Groups
In the case of large football events, people would rather place bets at work, among friends, or in large informal networks. The organizer may not charge entry fees or administrative fees.
All bets must be returned to players in the form of winnings. Private bets and games like poker or roulette with friends and family do not require authorization – but only if the amounts of money involved are trivial. Winnings must be modest, and the group of players must not be too large.
Casino Games
In Switzerland, roulette, blackjack, and slot machines can be offered only by licensed casinos. There are quite a few of them already operating.
If you play elsewhere and the event organizer is prosecuted under law, you may have your stake and potential winnings confiscated. The players themselves are not penalized.
Poker Tournaments
Small-scale poker tournaments are allowed in accordance with the Gambling Act 2025, if they are authorized on a cantonal level. Each player's buy-in cannot exceed a small amount, and the total amount of buy-ins must be within a set limit.
All of the entry fees are to be distributed entirely to the players as winnings.
Promotional Games (Competitions)
Games used by media companies to temporarily boost sales and amuse customers don't require permission – as long as entry is free and there is no possibility of excessive gambling.
Businesses are generally at liberty to arrange short-term promotional events without a license, in which the purchase of a product or service also qualifies the buyer for entry into a prize draw. For example, the purchase of a cereal bar at its normal price may automatically qualify the purchaser for entry into a prize draw for a gift voucher.
Conclusion: Everything You Need to Know About Gambling in Switzerland
Gambling in Switzerland is highly regulated for fair play and player protection. While some forms like licensed online casinos and official sports betting are allowed, others — especially unauthorized or large private games — are restricted or even forbidden.
The Gambling Act 2025 sets clear rules on what is acceptable, with player protection, licensing, and responsible gambling being the top priorities. Regardless of whether you're gambling online, hosting a private game, or participating in a poker tournament, it's essential to understand what's acceptable and where the legal limits are. Not only will being informed keep you safe, but it will also keep your gambling experience enjoyable and within the law.