What comes to your mind first when you hear about Switzerland? It must be those Alps, beautiful villages, safe and sound banks, or maybe even milk. These are indeed a country’s calling card, but poker is one of the most widespread card games there.
Gambling has been tried by every avid gambler at least once since it’s present in all casinos throughout the world.
Players can play in Swiss poker rooms, but with some restrictions (we’ll discuss them below).
Having in mind the financial safety in Switzerland, you’d think many gambling sites and places would open their doors here.
However, the laws of the country tangle it all up, forbidding international operators, thus limiting the number of events in the country.
That is not to say that gambling in Switzerland is not possible. Many online casino 10 euro options exist on offshore platforms, where Swiss players may join.
But what’s the deal with gambling in Switzerland?
Would it be possible to play poker, and if so, where? Keep reading as we discover the legality of Swiss gambling, the unique features of Swiss poker rooms, and locations in the country where players are allowed to play this game!
Is Gambling Allowed in Switzerland?
Yes, gambling is allowed in Switzerland if the operator (online or offline) holds a Swiss license.
Concerning poker, the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (SFGB) is the authority that regulates it in both digital and land-based forms.
Only small Swiss tournaments are allowed in the latter, but the operator offering them must hold a cantonal license (and adhere to several other restrictions like the number of players, minimum entrance fee, etc.).
Do You Know?:
The Federal Act on Games of Chance from 2019 made online gambling legal in Switzerland.
It’s decisive to note that since 2019, all games in Switzerland have been regulated under the Money Gaming Act (MGA), which states that foreign operators can’t apply for a license and must block access to their games for Swiss players.
Otherwise, the Swiss authorities block their domains themselves.
Interestingly, before the ban, bars, and restaurants used to hold tournaments. However, only registered casinos could do that under the new rules, so that practice fell through.
Today, there are around 20 casinos in the country, but not all offer poker tables or competitions.
The Ambiance in a Swiss Poker Room
Most casinos in Switzerland are part of grand hotels or resorts, so such rooms naturally match the style.
Expect stylish decor and well-lit rooms in those places where one can find table games. Drinks are always available even as you play.
The bigger hotels, of course, have better rooms and are more elegant, providing a posh vibe in the ambiance.
But to enter those, one might be asked to pay some fee upfront. There are also places where one won’t be asked to spend anything before entering, but they may impose restrictions on the dress code or require you to see a passport.
Swiss Poker Rooms Locations
There are several destinations in Switzerland. Each one has a different number of rooms you may enjoy and different rules. Below is a list of some top choices right now.
Casino Zurich
This casino has 6 tables, each with different rules and time limits. For example, Poker Cash game table games start at 8 pm and close every day from Monday to Saturday (4 am) until 5 am on Sundays.
On the other hand, Ultimate Texas Hold’em starts at 2 pm and lasts until closing time.
Interesting Fact:
In 2019, the Swiss Money Gaming Act came into power. This act banned all the international gambling sites from operating until the latter obtained a Swiss license.
There is also the option to play Swiss poker tournaments here. Every Wednesday, there is a Texas Hold’em competition.
Check-ins are at 6:30 pm, and the game starts at 7 pm. The only limitation is 40 people per game.
Grand Casino Baden
In Grand Casino Baden, you can enjoy 8 tables. Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hold’em are the most popular options.
All table games, including poker, are open from 3 pm. However, Omaha rooms are only available on Tuesdays and Sundays.
As for the tournaments, this is an upscale place, so expect a hefty qualifying deposit. For instance, the smallest stake in a competition is CHF99 (around $100).
Casino Barriere of Montreux
Of the 4 tables here, Texas Hold’em is the most popular one. The rooms are dimly lit and give off a vibe similar to Vegas gambling rooms.
Drinks are also available, and you can dine in one of the three restaurants but know that you’ll need to reserve a spot first.
This casino is open from 6 pm every day, except over the weekend when it starts working from 4 pm.
Gambling in the real money games here requires some stake, a.k.a. buy-in, which starts at 50 and goes up to 5000, depending on the blinds. The croupiers can open a new game like Pot Limit Omaha upon request.
Online Poker in Switzerland
As we already mentioned, online games of chance in Switzerland are not in the most optimal state. Since the ban on international operators, many who used to work in the country, like PokerStars, left.
Statistics:
As per the studies, the projected revenue in the Online Gambling market in Switzerland is expected to reach US$1.39 billion in 2024 and will result in a projected market volume of US$1.70 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.16%.
In-country operators, who must have a Swiss license to operate an online site, filled the gap created.
Such an example is Grand Casino Baden. The official site offers game of chance, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and live table games.
Moreover, offshore sites still accept Swiss players (albeit there are few). Hence, it’s not surprising the online gambling revenue in Switzerland is rising. Namely, it’s predicted to reach $1.39 billion.
In Conclusion
Although gambling in Switzerland is allowed, players and operators must respect the restrictions imposed by the authority.
That being said, Swiss players have many options to play, from in-country options to online operators.
International players are also able to join one of the Swiss poker rooms in the land-based casinos or create an account in the casinos based in the country.
Pay the entrance fee, show ID, respect the dress code (if any), and experience the entertaining thrill of a Swiss casino.
