Unique aspects of sports betting in Switzerland within the European context
In the heart of Europe, Switzerland has established a unique online sports betting landscape. Since the full legalization of online sports betting in 2019, the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA) has been overseeing the market, with only two government-licensed operators—Swisslos and Loterie Romande—offering legal sports betting services within the country [1].
These operators are subject to Swiss cantonal oversight, and local authorities manage betting events with strong control. While many Swiss players also use international betting sites licensed elsewhere, only Swiss-licensed operators can legally operate within Switzerland [1].
When it comes to taxation, Switzerland's online sports betting market is tightly regulated, with licensing and revenue oversight by GESPA, implying taxable operations for licensed entities [1]. However, specific details on Swiss online sports betting tax rates are not directly stated in the sources.
Comparatively, countries like Italy and Lithuania have more stringent tax and compliance frameworks. Italy, for instance, has one of the highest online gambling licensing fees in the EU, with a 9-year license costing €7 million plus a 3% annual tax on net revenue. Italy uses AI-driven compliance tools and real-time monitoring for enforcement [4].
Lithuania, on the other hand, enforces strict advertising bans until 2028 and requires financial institutions to block payments to unlicensed gambling operators. They also raised the legal gambling age to 21 and impose fines on non-compliant providers [4].
In contrast, Switzerland’s model emphasizes a monopoly licensing approach, with a clearer regulatory structure compared to many European countries that allow multiple operators with varied tax rates and stricter advertising and compliance measures [1][3][4].
Key differences between Switzerland and other European countries can be seen in the table below:
| Aspect | Switzerland | Italy | Lithuania | Liechtenstein | |-------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Licensing model | Monopoly: 2 licensed operators | Multiple licenses, €7M fee/license | Multiple licenses, strict controls | Licenses for casinos and iGaming | | Regulation body | GESPA (Swiss Gambling Supervisory) | ADM (Customs and Monopolies Agency)| Lithuanian gambling regulator | Office of Economic Affairs | | Taxation on operators | Not explicitly detailed; regulated | 3% tax on net revenue | Financial institutions block unlicensed | Progressive tax on GGR: 17.5–40% | | Advertising | Local cantonal oversight | Stricter advertising and monitoring| Near-total ad ban until 2028 | Strong regulatory compliance | | Legalization date | Online sports betting legalized 2019| Recent licensing changes (2024) | Recent regulatory changes (2025) | Gambling Act from 2010 |
In Switzerland, sports betting winnings are subject to taxation, but the stake and net win from sports betting are not taxed [1]. If betting is the primary income source, these wins can be considered income and taxed accordingly.
When it comes to bonus offers, Swiss sports betting providers are regulated by the Gaming Act and are typically smaller but more transparent. Common bonus types include welcome bonuses, free bets, cashback, and loyalty programs. However, Swiss sports betting providers do not offer bonuses of thousands of Swiss francs or extra bonuses with cryptocurrencies [1].
Using platforms without a Swiss license can result in no legal issues for players, but it may lead to complications in case of problems with withdrawals. Platforms without a Swiss license can offer their services via alternative links, bypassing blocks, but players may not have the same recourse as with a Swiss bookmaker in case of withdrawal issues [1].
In terms of security, secure payment methods are required in Swiss sports betting, and user data is verified to ensure authenticity. Data transmission in Swiss sports betting is encrypted for security purposes, and platforms must meet strict requirements for bookmakers, including encryption of data transmission, separate accounts for customer funds, verification of user data, and secure payment methods [1].
Swiss sports betting providers must also meet extensive requirements to ensure player safety. These requirements include strict requirements for bookmakers, such as encryption of data transmission, separate accounts for customer funds, verification of user data, and secure payment methods [1].
In conclusion, Switzerland's approach to online sports betting is unique, with a focus on a monopoly licensing model and local cantonal oversight. While taxation details are not explicitly stated, the market is tightly regulated, implying taxable operations for licensed entities. Compared to other European countries, Switzerland's licensing fees and taxation appear more moderate, with a clearer monopoly-style licensing approach [1][3][4].
