Swiss Casino Mendrisio receives online casino
With the recent approval of the Swiss Federal Council, Casino Mendrisio is entering the stage of online gambling in Switzerland. As the eleventh operator in the country, it expands the existing offering and contributes to the dynamism of the Swiss online casino market.
Switzerland has a strictly regulated approach to gambling. According to the 2019 Gambling Act, only land-based casinos based in Switzerland and licensed by the Federal Gaming Board (FSGB) are allowed to operate online casinos. This framework is designed to ensure that only trustworthy and established operators are granted access to the online market.
The Casino Mendrisio, located in the canton of Ticino between Lugano and the Italian city of Como, submitted an application to extend its license at the end of February 2024. After a thorough examination by the FCO and without any objections being identified, the commission recommended that the Federal Council accept the application. Last week, the Federal Council followed this recommendation and granted the necessary approval.
Next steps for Casino Mendrisio
Despite the license extension granted, Casino Mendrisio cannot immediately start online operations. Several requirements must be met before the start:
- Technical Infrastructure: The online platform must meet high security and quality standards to ensure smooth and safe gaming operations.
- gaming permits: Every single game that is to be offered online requires separate approval from the ESBK. This ensures that all games are fair and transparent.
Only after successful implementation of these steps and positive review by the ESBK can Casino Mendrisio officially launch its online offering.
Current landscape of casinos in Switzerland
With the entry of Casino Mendrisio, the number of licensed online casino operators in Switzerland increases to eleven. The existing ten providers have shaped and continuously expanded the market since the legalization of online gambling in 2019.
The current operators are characterized by a wide range of games, including classic table games such as roulette and blackjack, as well as a variety of slot machines. Many of these casinos cooperate with renowned software developers to offer their players a high-quality and varied gaming experience.
Developments of the Swiss Online Casino
The 2019 Gambling Act gives all 21 licensed land-based casinos in Switzerland the opportunity to extension of their concession to apply for online operation. With the addition of Casino Mendrisio, eleven of them have now taken this step.
The entry of Casino Mendrisio into the Swiss online gambling market marks a further step in the development of this sector. With now eleven licensed online casinos, Switzerland offers its citizens a growing choice of safe and regulated gambling options. The strict regulation by the ESBK ensures that both new and existing providers meet the high standards and promote a responsible gaming experience.