Given the ever-growing popularity of online sports betting in Switzerland, it is important for players to be aware of the legal framework. The introduction of the new Money Gaming Act (BGS) in 2019 should provide clarity on which providers are legal. But unfortunately, many players are still confused about which online casinos they can trust. In this article, we will take a closer look at how important it is to play at legal and licensed online casinos. And we discuss the potential risks associated with illegal providers like Bet365.
Legal online casino and sports betting providers in Switzerland in May 2024.
Switzerland has a regulated sports betting market where only two intercantonal providers are allowed to offer sports betting: Swisslos (Sporttip) and Loterie Romande (Jouez Sport). These providers are fully licensed and regulated to provide players with a safe and fair gaming experience. The Intercantonal Gaming Authority (Gespa) and the Swiss Federal Gaming Commission (SFGB) are working together to maintain a blacklist of prohibited operators. This helps to protect Swiss players from unregulated and illegal sports betting providers.
If you choose legal providers like Sporttip and Jouez Sport, you can be sure that your bets will be protected and your winnings will be paid out as expected. In addition, these providers donate a portion of their profits to charity, supporting local communities and initiatives.
Legal online casinos in Switzerland can be found here:
100% up to CHF1'000 + 1040 Cash Spins
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100% up to CHF777 + 100 free spins
🏆 TOP PROVIDER! 🥈 Topbonus! Regular promotions. Casino bonus on first deposit 100% up to CHF777. Bonus conditions are fair. Stately 6 months to implement (normally only 30 days!). Top. Tip: Deposit at least CHF20.
100% up to CHF 1'000 + up to 200 free spins
🏆 TOP PROVIDER! 🥉 Top bonus over 4 deposits and cancelable. Excellent conditions. FREE CHF20 after verification - use the code: "Jackback" in the coupon field. Furthermore: Casino bonus: 1st deposit: 100% up to CHF 1'000 + up to 200 free spins, 2nd deposit: 50% up to CHF 500, 3rd deposit 75% up to CHF 600, 4th deposit 100% up to CHF 700. Fabulous! And a crystal clear recommendation. Tip: Pay in at least CHF 20.
100% up to CHF900
Bonus on the first deposit. Excellent conditions (30 times turnover conditions on bonus amount)! FREE CHF 15 + 50 freespins (value: CHF 10) after verification.
100% up to CHF300 + 200 FS
35 times wagering requirements on bonus amount. With deposit of at least CHF 20 you will receive 200 free spins in portions of 50 spins each over 4 days. There are *no* wagering requirements on the winnings from the freespins.
100% up to CHF300.-
Bonus relatively low/average. Regular promotions. Friends recommend friends program. Bonus on the first deposit 100% up to CHF 300. Bonus terms are fair (30x wagering requirement on slots).
200% up to CHF600
Turnover requirements with 35x (instead of the usual 30x) slightly higher than other online casinos. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing. This is because there is no upper limit to the betting amount. So you can also play through the bonus quickly. Overall, definitely a recommendation.
100% up to CHF300.-
Turnover requirements with 35x (instead of the usual 30x) slightly higher than other online casinos. Number of games still very manageable. We rather less recommend the game here at the moment.
Up to CHF300.-
At Hurrah you can expect 100% bonus up to CHF 300 doubled on your first deposit. The design looks a bit antiquated - but it is optimized especially for mobile devices. Thus, the casino is undoubtedly recommended in the first place for users of iPad, tablet, smartphone, etc..
The risks of gambling with illegal providers like Bet365
Unfortunately, illegal providers like Bet365 continue to target Swiss customers despite being blocked by Gespa. Players who bet with these unlicensed providers are exposed to numerous risks. This also includes the possibility of profits being retained. Because in the event of disputes, legal recourse is naturally limited. In addition, profits from foreign providers are not tax-free. They must be fully taxed as income. Unlike winnings from legal providers, which are tax-free up to CHF 1,000,000.
Another concern associated with illegal operators is the increased risk of game manipulation and money laundering. Legal providers in Switzerland have restrictions on their betting options to protect players from these problems. Illegal providers may not have the same protections.
The problem with comparison websites
Many sports betting comparison sites claim to provide accurate information about legal sports betting in Switzerland. However, these websites can be misleading as they may be sponsored by blocked providers. And these, of course, have an interest in promoting illegal betting providers. To avoid falling for these unreliable sources, just stick to BesteCasinosSwitzerland – we list only legal providers.
Advantages of playing with legal Swiss sports betting providers
As we have already mentioned, only Sporttip and Jouez Sport are legal sports betting providers in Switzerland. When you choose these providers, you enjoy numerous advantages such as security, tax-free winnings (up to CHF 1,000,000) and the certainty that your bets are protected from game manipulation and money laundering.
Furthermore, legal providers donate a portion of their winnings to charity, making them a responsible choice for players who want to support their local community. Playing with legal providers, Swiss bettors can enjoy a safe and secure betting experience while benefiting from social advantages.
The illegal status of Bet365 in Switzerland
It is important for Swiss players to know that Bet365 is considered illegal in Switzerland. Gespa has blocked this provider because it is not properly licensed and regulated. Playing at Bet365 can have financial and legal consequences for Swiss players, such as withholding of winnings, limited legal remedies and full taxation of winnings as income.
Considering the risks associated with illegal providers, it is in the best interest of Swiss players to stay away from Bet365 and similar providers. In this way, players can avoid potential legal and financial problems and ensure a safer and more enjoyable betting experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is of utmost importance for Swiss players to choose legal and licensed online casinos for their sports betting. By choosing legal providers like Sporttip and Jouez Sport, you can enjoy a safe and fair gaming experience, knowing that your bets are protected and your winnings will be paid out as expected.
As a Swiss gambler, it is important that you are informed about the legal landscape and make informed decisions about where you place your bets. Stay away from illegal providers like Bet365 and consult official Swiss sources when in doubt. This way you can enjoy a safe and fun sports betting experience while supporting local communities and charitable initiatives.