Swiss casinos reported a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of CHF878.5 million ($1.08 billion) for 2025, marking a 2.1% decrease from the previous year’s CHF898 million, according to the ESBK. The revenue was split between CHF564.9 million from land-based operations—down 3.9%—and a modest 1.2% rise in online GGR to CHF313.6 million. These figures reflect the wider trends within Switzerland’s gambling industry, where lottery and sports betting turnover also saw declines. Gespa reported a 2.4% drop to CHF3.87 billion in 2025, with gross player yield falling by 3.7% to CHF1.203 billion.
Evoke Faces Financial Pressure
The revenue shortfall impacted the federal casino levy, which decreased by 2.1% to CHF263.1 million. But of this, CHF219.99 million was routed to the federal government, while CHF43.08 million went to cantonal authorities. The operational budget for ESBK remained steady at CHF10.7 million, comprising about 3% of total gambling expenditures. Most of this budget was financed through fees and fines totaling CHF9.36 million, with an additional CHF1.35 million provided by the federal treasury. Financial challenges prompted several operational and licensing changes in 2025. Casino St. Moritz shut down in April due to financial issues, with its license revoked in August. There’s no plan to re-tender this license until a federal review in 2028. Meanwhile, Casino Schaffhausen closed permanently, and Casino Davos briefly halted operations for relocation before reopening in December after a regulatory inspection.
Online Market Adjustments
In the online sector, the market shifted as Mendrisio launched its online operations in July 2025. Still, conversely, Casino Basel and Casino Montreux exited the online market, with their license extensions revoked after deeming the business financially unsustainable. Prilly received an extension until 31 October 2026 to begin operations due to unexpected building issues. The Swiss Federal Council renewed agreements for all casinos in 2025, set in motion back in 2024. Player protection remains a priority, as evidenced by the enforcement of the nationwide Spielsperre exclusion register. Registrations continue to grow, emphasized by the January 2025 mutual recognition of exclusion orders between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. However, the ESBK noted concerns about the exclusion register’s upkeep, suggesting legislative amendments might be needed for improvement.
Crackdown on Illegal Gambling
2025 saw a notable increase in illegal online gambling in Switzerland, paralleling European trends. And the ESBK took action by blocking 580 unauthorized websites and launching 105 new investigations. Collaborating with cantonal police and prosecutors, the ESBK coordinated joint operations and training to strengthen enforcement. The commission also advocated for greater European regulatory cooperation to combat cross-border illegal gambling. As the industry grapples with these challenges, a federal review is anticipated in 2028, which could potentially reshape the regulatory market.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
