Swiss regulator iGaming blacklist includes Bet365, Unibet and Pinnacle

Lea Hogg September 3, 2024

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Swiss regulator iGaming blacklist includes Bet365, Unibet and Pinnacle

Switzerland has taken a decisive step in regulating its online gambling market by publishing its first blacklists of unauthorised iGaming operators. The country’s gambling regulators, the Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (ESBK) and the Inter-Cantonal Lotteries and Betting Commission (Comlot), have each released lists of companies barred from operating within the Swiss jurisdiction. These blacklists mark a significant development in the country’s efforts to control and regulate online gambling activities, ensuring that only licensed entities can offer services to Swiss residents.

The blacklists were published as part of the enforcement of the Federal Act on Real-Money Gaming (Geldspielgesetz), which came into effect on 1 January 2019. This law not only permits Swiss land-based casinos to expand into the online space but also grants regulatory bodies the authority to block access to unlicensed gaming platforms. Specifically, Article 86 of the Geldspielgesetz empowers the ESBK and Comlot to instruct internet service providers (ISPs) to block unlicensed gambling sites through domain name server (DNS) locks. This is a critical tool in preventing unregulated operators from reaching Swiss consumers.

Switzerland’s stricter stance on unlicensed gambling

The initial release of these blacklists reveals the extent of Switzerland’s commitment to enforcing its new gambling laws. Comlot’s list includes 65 domains, many of which are linked to prominent international operators. ESBK’s list features 39 domains, with considerable overlap between the two lists. Notably, well-known brands such as bet365, Interwetten, Pinnacle, Betclic Everest Group, and Unibet have found their websites blocked in Switzerland. Additionally, several German-language platforms, including Mybet, XTiP, and Cashpoint, have also been restricted, reflecting the regulators’ broad approach to enforcement.

This action follows a contentious national debate over the Geldspielgesetz, with opposition groups arguing that the DNS blocking provisions amounted to state censorship. However, a majority of Swiss voters supported the legislation in a 2018 referendum, reflecting a public consensus in favor of stringent regulation of the gambling sector. The outcome of the referendum demonstrated a clear mandate for the government to protect its citizens from the potential harms of unregulated gambling, even at the cost of restricting access to certain websites.

The introduction of these blacklists signals that Swiss regulators are serious about maintaining a tightly controlled gambling market. It also sets a precedent for other jurisdictions considering similar measures to safeguard their markets from unlicensed operators. As Switzerland continues to enforce its new regulations, the impact on the global iGaming industry will be closely watched, particularly by operators seeking to navigate the complex regulatory landscapes of different countries.