Swiss casinos file online gambling license applications

Switzerland’s casino operators have begun filing applications to offer online slots and table games starting this summer.

This week, Swiss media reported that the Federal Gaming Board (ESBK) had received four online casino license applications from the operators of land-based venues Grand Casino Baden, Grand Casino Davos, Grand Casino Lucerne and Casino Zurichsee.

In February, Swiss media reported that Grand Casino Kursaal Bern had also filed an online casino application on behalf of itself and an unspecified “large technology partner.” But the latest reports indicate that the Bern casino and its sister operation in Neuchâtel have yet to formally submit their paperwork, which will likely delay their online launch until after the other four venues.

Under the new gambling law approved in a national referendum last summer, Swiss casino operators must have their online games technically certified and ensure that their technology partners have a ‘good reputation’ aka not serving Swiss punters without local permission at any point over the past five years.