The Swiss Federal Gaming Board (FGB, or ESBK) has officially issued the 10th state licence to Casino Locarno to launch an online division. As a result, the operator is preparing to present its digital platform, CasiNeo.ch.
Integration of Ground and Internet Businesses
Access to the web segment in the country is strictly regulated in accordance with the Federal Act on Gambling (Geldspielgesetz). Local applicants must 1st obtain a permit to run a land-based facility in a specific region and demonstrate business sustainability before developing an online brand.
Casino Locarno fully meets these requirements: it has been present on the market since 2002 and has the operational base to support its digital expansion. In 2022, the Baden Group acquired the asset, providing additional impetus for its development. The company is well-versed in a regulated environment: in 2019, the parent company launched Switzerland’s 1st legal internet platform, Casino Baden.
Against this backdrop, the launch of CasiNeo.ch will enable the corporation to expand its digital presence. This event is expected to significantly strengthen the group’s position in the domestic market.
The regulator’s actions indicate a gradual softening of its approach to advancing the sector. The authority previously opened an additional gambling licensing window, enabling the Admiral.ch platform to enter the jurisdiction. This Novomatic-owned project was implemented in partnership with Casino Mendrisio.
Strict Approach for Enhanced Oversight
The FGB constantly monitors the entire online segment, paying close attention to every digital product. All solutions undergo detailed scrutiny, including both slot content and tabletop formats.
Despite a more open dialogue with the industry, the regulator is not revising the key limit: the total number of licensees remains fixed at 10. At the same time, the requirements for operators are still extremely stringent.
Permit holders must thoroughly check their customers' characteristics, such as:
- age;
- residence;
- tax obligation status.
Thus, the market is being developed as an impressively transparent and controlled environment with high barriers to entry. Special attention is being paid to combating the offshore segment. The authority not only supports established measures but also strengthens them. In 2026, expanded cooperation with Gespa is planned to improve the effectiveness of identifying illegal domains.
Currently, the FGB’s denylist already includes over 3,000 websites. The blocking is carried out through coordinated efforts with internet service providers across the DACH territories, allowing access to prohibited resources to be restricted quickly.
Additionally, authorities are developing a national-level information campaign. Users will be informed of the financial risks associated with playing on unlicensed operators' portals and redirected to legal platforms.
Potential of the Swiss iGaming Vertical
The country continues to provide comprehensive support to the FGB. Now, neither the federal nor the regional levels are considering revising the provisions of the Geldspielgesetz law. The primary focus remains on strict oversight and large-scale blocking as the primary tool for combating the shadow segment.
At the same time, industry experts are more cautious. Some doubt the current model will be effective in the long run. Conclusions are expected by the end of 2026, when Germany and Austria complete their regulatory reviews. These changes may also influence Switzerland’s future strategy.
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