In brief

Where does the gambling suspension apply?

Where does the gamb­ling sus­pen­sion ap­ply?

A gambling suspension applies to all casinos in Switzerland and all online gambling services that fall under the Federal Act on Gambling (BGS) – including all online gambling offered by Swisslos, La Loterie Romande and all Swiss casinos.

Vo­lun­ta­ry

When you apply for a gambling suspension

A voluntary, requested gambling suspension which you apply for yourself often proves to be an effective measure against gambling problems. You can apply for it in person at any time in a Swiss casino or in writing with a copy of proof of identification attached. Gambling suspensions apply to all physical casinos in Switzerland and all Swiss providers of online gambling (lotteries, sports betting, online casino and poker games).

Send the completed application form and a copy of a valid identification document (ID, passport or driver’s license) to a Swiss casino of your choice. We recommend that you send your application to the casino in which you predominantly played. The application form is valid only with a signature. You must apply separately for a gambling suspension at foreign casinos.

If you wish to request a voluntary gambling suspension in person in the casino, just bring a valid form of identification. Ideally, you should ask to speak to the person responsible when you arrive at the casino. You will also be given information on the conditions for lifting the gambling suspension and the advice available at external addiction centers.

Or­de­red

When the casino imposes the gambling suspension

As a casino, we bar from gambling any individuals who based on our suspicions or information from third parties, specialist services or social welfare authorities, we know or have cause to assume are:

  • in significant debt
  • unable to meet their financial obligations
  • placing wagers that are disproportionate to their income and assets
  • addicted to gambling

In these cases, as a casino we must order a gambling suspension in accordance with Art. 80 BGS, with or without your agreement.

Pro­ce­dure for fa­mi­ly mem­bers

How to help

Are you worried about the gambling behavior of a family member, relative or friend? Get in touch by phone or visit the casino where the person concerned plays and let our specialist know about their gambling behavior or financial situation.

Our sympathetic, expert employees will inform you of the various options and agree an appropriate course of action. The casino will then take the necessary steps. In general, you can also approach casinos in neighboring countries with your concerns.

Lif­ting of a gamb­ling sus­pen­sion

Back in the game

Generally, you can request that a gambling suspension in Swiss casinos is lifted at any time. To do so, you must make a written request to the casino that imposed the gambling suspension and attend a personal consultation.

If you can prove that the reason for the gambling suspension no longer applies, the suspension will be lifted (Art. 81 BGS). Voluntary gambling suspensions can only be lifted after a minimum of three months (Art. 84 Gambling Ordinance (VGS)).

If you had the suspension imposed in a casino that has since ceased to operate, you can contact another casino of your choice. They will be able to advise you on how to proceed.

Gamb­ling sus­pen­sions in ot­her count­ries

As well as a gambling suspension in Switzerland, we recommend that you take out suspensions in neighboring countries as well. You must apply for these suspensions separately.