Switzerland and Liechtenstein have entered a groundbreaking partnership to address gambling addiction more effectively across their borders. Starting January 7, 2025, a new bilateral agreement ensures that gambling bans in one country are reciprocally enforced in the other, marking a significant milestone in player protection.
Cross-Border Bans to Close Loopholes
Under the agreement, anyone banned from Swiss casinos—both terrestrial and online—will now be unable to gamble in Liechtenstein, and vice versa. This reciprocal enforcement is set to cover Switzerland’s 100,000 existing gambling bans and Liechtenstein’s exclusion lists, creating a unified front against gambling addiction.
Swiss casinos are legally obligated to exclude individuals who display signs of gambling addiction, gamble beyond their financial means, or refuse to provide proof of their financial stability. Similar measures apply in Liechtenstein.
A critical feature of this system is affordability checks. Players who fail these checks or whose financial status is deemed unstable are immediately banned from gambling. Voluntary exclusions and bans initiated by concerned family members also fall under the scope of these protections.
Industry Response and Broader Implications
The Swiss Casino Association has praised the agreement, calling it a significant step toward better player protection. A spokesperson highlighted that in the past, individuals banned in Switzerland would cross the border to gamble in Liechtenstein, exploiting regulatory gaps.
This collaboration addresses that loophole by enabling casinos in both countries to share exclusion lists. Officials hope this cross-border model can inspire similar agreements across Europe, further strengthening protections for vulnerable individuals.
But the new agreement has limitations. While it targets gambling in licensed casinos, it does not tackle the growing problem of illegal online gambling. In Switzerland alone, unlicensed platforms account for 40% of the online gambling market, allowing banned individuals to gamble without restrictions.
The Shadow of Illegal Gambling
Illegal online gambling presents a major challenge. These platforms not only undermine local bans but also dodge tax obligations, exacerbating the regulatory hurdles. Experts warn that such operations endanger players by bypassing safeguards designed to promote responsible gambling.
The Swiss Casino Association has called for stricter action against these platforms, urging authorities to clamp down on illegal operators and explore measures to extend gambling bans to other European countries.
Switzerland is not alone in facing this issue. Nations such as Germany, Belgium, and Sweden have reported similar struggles with black-market operators dominating significant portions of their online gambling sectors. Despite regulatory efforts, many players continue to be lured by the accessibility and lack of oversight on these platforms.
Gambling Addiction in Numbers
Over the past 20 years, Swiss casinos have enforced 100,000 gambling bans to protect individuals at risk. These bans, combined with strict affordability checks, form the backbone of responsible gambling policies.
The agreement with Liechtenstein significantly expands the impact of these measures. By integrating bans across borders, the partnership underscores the importance of affordability checks and shared accountability in tackling gambling addiction.
- Cross-Border Enforcement: Shared exclusion lists between Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Affordability Checks: Verification of financial stability remains central to player protection.
- Family-Initiated Bans: Protections include exclusions requested by family members.
- Voluntary Bans: Individuals can self-exclude to prevent future gambling harm.
A Step Forward, but More Work Ahead
The new collaboration is a step forward in addressing gambling addiction, yet the broader issue of illegal gambling persists. Industry leaders and regulators must address this growing threat to ensure the long-term success of responsible gambling initiatives.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s agreement sets an example for regional cooperation. Whether this model can extend to other European nations remains to be seen, but the hope is clear: a united approach to tackling gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable players.
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