Switzerland’s gambling industry experienced a downturn in 2025, as reported by Gespa, the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority. The sector saw gross player yield (BSE) drop across most categories, with total operator turnover from cross-state lotteries and sports betting reaching CHF3.87 billion—down 2.4% from the previous year. Online gambling, while representing a quarter of the BSE, increased slightly due to a sharper decline in land-based revenues.
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Performance Across Product Lines
Lotto products, including EuroMillions and Swiss Lotto, saw a 3.3% revenue drop with a turnover of CHF1.277 billion. Meanwhile, scratchcards brought in CHF810.5 million, down 2.9%. Sports betting turnover declined to CHF1.174 billion, a 4.4% reduction. The steepest fall occurred in PMU horse racing pools, dropping 13.7% in turnover. Lottos and scratchcards continued to dominate, making up 75% of total BSE, a figure stable year-on-year.
Operators’ Financial Results
Swisslos and Loterie Romande, the two major lottery operators, reported a combined net profit of CHF814 million—down 4.7% from 2024. Swisslos’ net profit decreased by 5.7%, while Loterie Romande’s dropped by 2.3%. Swiss regulations dictate these profits aid public sectors like culture and social services. Online gambling saw a modest rise to 24% of BSE, though the absolute figures declined by 1.7%. Land-based BSE dropped sharper at 4.3%. Regional differences showed Swisslos heavily reliant on lottos and scratchcards, whereas Loterie Romande maintained a more balanced revenue mix.
Crackdown on Illegal Gambling
In 2025, Gespa supported 25 criminal investigations into illegal gambling and reviewed 42 cantonal criminal rulings. The authority produced expert reports and conducted forensic analyses, contributing to prosecuting unauthorized operators. They also issued five domain blocklists, encompassing 671 domains associated with illegal foreign gambling sites.
Regulatory Environment
The regulatory market in Switzerland is evolving, driven by the 2019 revision of the Federal Act on Gambling. While the legal framework has fostered online gambling expansion, the recent downturn suggests challenges remain. Analysts speculate on the market’s ability to rebound amidst tighter regulations and increased scrutiny. The board reviews further regulatory adjustments in Q4, which could impact future industry dynamics.
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.
