Since the introduction of the new gambling law in 2019, the Swiss online gambling market has changed significantly, especially with regard to foreign betting providers. In response to stricter regulations, many of these providers have left the Swiss market. Nevertheless, some illegal online casinos continue to target Swiss customers and circumvent national laws and regulations. BesteCasinosSchweiz.ch is dedicated to promoting legal and licensed Swiss online casinos to ensure player safety. In this article, we will go deeper into the risks associated with gambling at illegal online casinos, taking the online provider Bahigo Casino as an example.
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The risks of playing in illegal online casinos
Swiss players who choose to play at foreign betting sites such as Bahigo Casino expose themselves to various risks, including:
- Lack of guaranteed payouts: In illegal online casinos, there is no guarantee that players will receive their winnings in the event of a dispute. Since these providers are often licensed in countries with lax regulation, players have little recourse when problems arise.
- Taxation: Unlike legal Swiss bookmakers, where the tax-free amount for winnings is CHF 1,000,000, winnings from foreign bookmakers must be taxed as income. This may result in a higher tax burden for the players.
- Limited legal remedies: As illegal betting providers usually have their gambling licenses and jurisdictions abroad, it is difficult for Swiss players to take legal action in case of non-payment of winnings.
- Lack of consumer protection: Illegal online casinos are often subject to less stringent regulations regarding player protection, such as age restrictions, self-exclusion options and information on gambling addiction prevention.
Blocked sports betting provider
The Swiss Federal Gaming Board (SFGB) and the Society for the Prevention of Gambling Addiction (Gespa) maintain a list of banned providers to warn Swiss players about illegal betting providers. Bahigo is one such provider that operates illegally and has a license and jurisdiction in Malta. As with other illegal operators, Bahigo profits are fully taxed as income, with no allowances.
Beware of comparison websites
It is important to be careful when researching sports betting providers, as many comparison sites spread misleading information about the legality of sports betting in Switzerland. Often, such websites are created or sponsored by blocked betting providers themselves in order to get players to use their services. To identify untrustworthy websites, look out for a missing or suspicious masthead, usually located at the bottom of the page. Another way to get trustworthy information is to contact the SFGB or Gespa, which can help with questions about the legality of online gambling operators.
Legal sports betting providers in Switzerland
Under current laws and regulations, only Loterie Romande (Jouez Sport) and Swisslos (Sporttip) are currently allowed to offer sports betting in Switzerland. These licensed providers ensure a high level of security for player accounts and betting. Furthermore, players benefit from tax exemptions on winnings up to CHF 1,000,000, making these providers a reliable choice for Swiss players.
Restrictions for betting offers
In order to protect players from the increased risk of gambling manipulation, Gespa has introduced restrictions on the betting offers of legal providers. Betting on some minor sports competitions and lower leagues is not allowed to ensure that the risk of manipulation is minimized. Nevertheless, Sporttip and Jouez Sport allow legal betting on all major sporting events and leagues, so players have a wide range of betting options at their disposal.
Conclusion
To ensure that they enjoy a safe and enjoyable gaming experience, it is crucial for Swiss players to choose legal and licensed providers. Bahigo Casino is an example of an illegal online casino that poses significant risks to Swiss players. BesteCasinosSwitzerland.ch remains committed to promoting legal and licensed Swiss online casinos in order to provide players with the best possible gaming experience. By cooperating with official bodies such as the SFGB and Gespa, players can be sure that they have up-to-date and reliable information about legal gambling providers.
FAQ
Not all foreign betting providers are illegal, but only those with a valid license from the Swiss Federal Gaming Commission (SFGB) or the Society for the Prevention of Gambling Addiction (Gespa) are allowed to offer their services legally in Switzerland. It is important to check the legality of a provider before signing up and depositing money.
To check the legality of an online casino in Switzerland, you can visit the official website of the SFGB or Gespa. There you will find lists of licensed and blocked providers. Also, make sure that the casino provides a valid license number and contact information that matches the official records.
When you play at an illegal online casino, you expose yourself to a number of risks, including lack of guaranteed payouts, limited legal remedies, and higher taxation on your winnings. In addition, illegal casinos may also pose an increased risk of fraud and identity theft.
Yes, there are differences in the taxation of winnings from legal and illegal online casinos. With legal Swiss betting providers, winnings up to CHF 1,000,000 are tax-free. However, winnings from illegal online casinos must be taxed as income, regardless of the amount of the win.
Legal online casinos in Switzerland are obliged to provide information on the prevention of gambling addiction and to offer their players support services. If you think you have a problem with gambling, you can contact organizations like Gespa or other trusted help services. Legal providers also have options such as self-exclusion and deposit limits available to make gambling responsible.