Switzerland And Liechtenstein Unite To Combat Problem Gambling

Cross-Border Ban Implemented

Starting January 7, 2025, individuals banned from casinos in Switzerland will also be prohibited from playing at casinos in Liechtenstein, and vice versa. This initiative aims to protect consumers from gambling-related harm by creating a stricter cross-border exclusion list.

Licensed operators in both countries will be responsible for preventing those with unhealthy gambling habits from accessing their services.

Shared Exclusion Lists Enhance Enforcement

Companies in both Switzerland and Liechtenstein will now have access to each other’s exclusion lists, allowing them to enforce restrictions more effectively.

Currently, Switzerland has 100,000 enforced bans, which will now also apply to casinos in Liechtenstein. Casinos are already legally required to exclude players who show signs of struggling with gambling control.

Affordability Checks Remain Crucial

Both countries utilize affordability checks, requiring players to provide proof of their financial capacity to spend money in casinos.

These checks are a core component of the gambling industry in both markets, ensuring that players are not spending beyond their means.

A Model For Future Self-Exclusion

This cross-border ban represents a significant step forward for self-exclusion in Europe.

While Switzerland and Liechtenstein have close ties, their model could be adopted by larger regions and more countries, setting a precedent for future collaborations.

Black Market Challenges Persist

Despite the ban, Switzerland continues to struggle with black market operations, which now account for an estimated 40% of the online casino market. Although gambling bans prevent players from accessing legal sites, they do not affect illegal websites that target players in both countries.

This issue is also affecting other European markets, such as Germany, Sweden and Belgium, where unlicensed gambling activity is on the rise.