Online Gambling in Switzerland: 2025 sets a new standard for responsibility
As 2025 unfolds, while many European countries are still working to establish effective regulatory frameworks for online gambling, Switzerland stands out as a model of forward-thinking, responsible governance. While some countries are only beginning to define their legal parameters, Switzerland has long implemented a mature and well-structured system. At the heart of this ecosystem is Casinò Lugano, which, through its digital platform Swiss4Win, offers a gaming experience that is entertaining, secure, and deeply committed to player protection.
Responsible Gaming: more than a concept – a concrete commitment
In Switzerland, protecting players is not just a best practice; it’s a legal obligation. Responsible gaming is a cornerstone of the Federal Act on Gambling, requiring all licensed operators to implement strict social protection measures. But for Casinò Lugano and its platform, Swiss4Win, complying with the law is only the beginning.
“Online gambling in isolation is riskier. That’s why we’ve chosen to raise the bar: Swiss4Win integrates advanced monitoring tools, individualised prevention pathways, and ongoing staff training. Our single goal is to protect players first,” says Giovanna Bernaschina, Head of Social Responsibility at Casinò Lugano
Unlike land-based casinos, online gambling is available 24/7 and often takes place in isolation, without the social context or oversight found in physical locations. This solitude can lead to impulsive or problematic behaviours. To combat this, Swiss4Win has implemented real-time monitoring, self-exclusion tools, personalised deposit and loss limits, and proactive intervention by specially trained staff.
Every team member is trained to recognise early warning signs of problematic gaming and respond with discretion and care. Prevention is not an abstract idea; it’s built into the very structure of the platform.
Illegal Gambling: A real and growing threat
Alongside Switzerland’s regulated model lies a parallel reality: the unchecked growth of illegal online gambling, often hosted by foreign operators. These unlicensed sites operate without restrictions or player protections and frequently present polished interfaces that mask dangerous risks.
“Players using foreign sites are not protected. Often, they don’t even realise they’re on an illegal platform and unknowingly expose themselves to serious risks, especially young people and individuals already excluded from legal play,” explains Bernaschina.
The danger is twofold: a lack of supervision and a lack of awareness. Players on illegal platforms can rack up significant losses without safeguards, and vulnerable groups such as young adults or those banned from legal gambling can easily slip through the cracks, spiralling into undetected and unaddressed addiction.
Concrete Prevention: GIVE ME FIVE and youth engagement
Among the most at-risk populations are young adults aged 18 to 25. That’s why Casinò Lugano launched the “GIVE ME FIVE” project, a tangible initiative aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue. In partnership with Caritas Ticino, the Social Division Office of the Municipality of Lugano, INGRADO (Addiction Services), and the Institute for Gambling Research (IRGA), Swiss4Win hosted two dedicated events in the casino lobby focused entirely on this demographic.
These sessions offered young attendees the chance to engage with psychologists, social workers, and industry experts, providing them with practical tools and critical knowledge about responsible gaming. Participation was strong, and the initiative is already set to return in 2025 with the aim of reaching even more individuals and strengthening the connection between the casino and the community.
A responsible model for the industry
The approach taken by Casinò Lugano and Swiss4Win is based on a holistic vision that combines technology, entertainment, and social responsibility to create a player experience where the person, not just the game, is at the centre.
With a wide selection of slots, live games, roulette, blackjack, and transparent promotions, Swiss4Win positions itself as one of the most complete, secure, and innovative platforms in the Swiss market. All of this is delivered under the supervision of federal authorities and within a legal framework that prioritises consumer protection.
While many markets are still in a transitional phase, Casinò Lugano and Swiss4Win already represent a benchmark for excellence in the European online gambling industry, where entertainment goes hand in hand with safety, awareness, and integrity.
