Bet365, Parimatch and Unibet among first operators to be blocked in Switzerland
Swiss authorities release first blacklist following online exclusion deadline
Bet365, Parimatch and Unibet are among the first firms to have their websites blocked by Swiss authorities following the regulation of the market.
The Swiss Federal Gaming Commission (ESBK) and the Inter-Cantonal Lotteries and Betting Commission (Comlot) today published separate blacklists, the first since the passing of the deadline for international operators to exit the Swiss market.
A total of 65 domains appear on the Comlot list (available here), while only 39 domains have been included on the ESBK list (available here), with some, including bet365 and Pinnacle, appearing on both lists.
Domain names included only on the ESBK list include Genesis Global’s Genesis Casino site and Germany-facing operator Interwetten. 1xBet, bet-at-home and tipwin were among those on the Comlot list.
Under the Swiss Money Gaming Act, both the ESBK and Comlot are required to block sites if they are accessible by Swiss players and not locally licensed.
The only exclusion to this rule is operators which are domiciled internationally which have already barred access to Swiss players.
Operators were given until 1 July to withdraw, or potentially face prosecution.
Operators named in the blacklist are obligated to add so-called ‘do not serve’ (DNS) notices on their respective websites, blocking all access by Swiss players. Switzerland’s internet service providers are likewise obligated to ensure that Swiss players cannot access these sites.
Affected operators can lodge a written objection against the injunction, providing this is undertaken within 30 days of the publication of the blacklist. Operators may appeal if they can demonstrate they have prevented access to their site by Swiss players using “suitable technical measures”.
In the event of a successful appeal, the affected site will be removed from the blacklist. Operators who persist in offering unlicensed gambling can face fines of up to CHF500,000 (£400,000) or up to five years in prison.
At present, international online operators are barred from the Swiss market as part of a six-year exclusivity period inaugurated with the passage of the Swiss Money Gaming Act in December 2018.
Switzerland’s four land-based casinos are the only companies allowed to operate licensed online gambling, however they can sign supply deals with international operators.
Grand Casino Luzern has partnered with Aland-operator PAF and Evolution gaming, while Playtech will supply the technology required at Swiss Casino’s Casino Zürichsee venue.