Gambling Age In Switzerland

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Switzerland, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Gambling Act, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal, with 21 casinos in Zurich, Geneva, and Lugano, offering slots, poker, and table games, catering to locals and tourists. Betting shops and lotteries, operated by Swisslos and Loterie Romande, are widespread, requiring ID checks to enforce the 19-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at CHF 900 million annually, supports tourism, with venues featuring extensive game catalogs you’ve shown interest in.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated since 2019, with only land-based casino operators allowed to offer online casinos, sports betting, and poker via mobile platforms, generating CHF 250 million in 2024. The Swiss Federal Gaming Board (SFGB) ensures age verification and compliance. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked via IP restrictions, with over 1,000 domains restricted by 2025, and players face fines up to CHF 20,000.

Regulation and Oversight: The SFGB, supported by the Federal Casino Commission, regulates gambling under the Gambling Act of 2018. It oversees licensing, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives, including mandatory loss limits. Switzerland’s restrictive licensing model, unlike the multi-licensing systems you’ve explored, prioritizes consumer protection, with 2024 reforms increasing taxes to 80% on high casino revenues to fund social programs.

Enforcement and Penalties: Switzerland enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections, with violations like underage gambling leading to fines up to CHF 500,000, license revocation, or criminal charges. Illegal websites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines or exclusion from licensed platforms. The SFGB’s 2025 cybersecurity upgrades enhance IP blocking, ensuring a secure gambling environment aligned with federal and cantonal laws.