Switzerland Publishes Gambling Blacklist Of 65 Casino Operators
Switzerland has published two gambling blacklists consisting of 65 casino operators.
The Intercantonal Lottery and Betting Commission (Comlot) and the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (SFGB) have both published their blacklists this week after a change in the law regarding online gambling. The blacklist consists of 65 foreign casino operators which have been blocked to Swiss gamblers.
In June last year, over 70% of voters approved new gambling regulations which, from January 1st 2019, allows Swiss casinos to offer their own games online. A new rule that came into effect on July 1st, 2019, now allows regulators to block foreign operators from offering services in the country. Under the rule changes, Swiss gamblers will only be allowed to bet on casinos that pay tax in the country and internet service providers (ISPs) are not required to block websites on the blacklist.
A total of 65 gambling domains have now been blocked in Switzerland including numerous European and British-based operators such as Bet365. Other well-known operators that appear on the two blacklists include 1XBet, The Lotter and Videoslots casinos.
Most operators that had previously offered services in the country have already pulled out after believing they wouldn’t be able to continue operating in Switzerland. According to reports, any Swiss gamblers registered at a blacklisted casino must contact them directly for money.
Casino and sportsbook operators such as GVC Holdings exited in January while gambling site William Hill remained until June this year. Operators who wish to break into Switzerland must now develop a good reputation within the country and maintain five years of obeying local laws.
Restrictions In The UK
Switzerland hasn’t been the only country to change its rules regarding gambling. The UK’s regulatory body has been clamping down on online gambling too, changing a number of rules and introducing new policies to better protect players.
Last month, reports suggested that online casino operators in the UK must sign up with self-exclusion system GamSTOP as part of a condition of their gambling license. Meanwhile, the Commission launched its 12-week consultation on the use of credit cards at online casinos. The regulatory body also introduced new rules which changes how operators interact with vulnerable customers and new policies which require operators to regular player spending.
Earlier this week, the Commission announced that it had suspended EveryMatrix’s operating license, affecting PlayFrank and Fantasino Casino. The regulatory body also launched an investigation into several bookmakers after they allowed a minor to wager £5 on the Royal Ascot.