Switzerland’s casino operators say their new online gambling businesses can’t hope to compensate for the pandemic-related loss of their land-based revenue.

On Monday, certain segments of Switzerland’s retail sector began reopening after the mass shutdown of non-essential businesses to limit further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Businesses ranging from hair salons to garden centers were first in the reopening queue, while compulsory schools and other stores will follow on May 11.

But the ‘entertainment’ sector of the economy reportedly won’t get the nod to reopen until June 8, so Switzerland’s 21 land-based casinos – which were ordered to shut their doors in mid-March – will have to sweat it out a little longer.

To date, only five Swiss casinos have availed themselves of the option to launch online casinos under the new rules that took effect in January 2019. Casino Interlaken was the most recent online participant following the launch of StarVegas.ch in February.