Switzerland rebuffs plans to block online casinos

Switzerland has withdrawn plans to introduce regulation that would require internet service providers (ISPs) in the country to block online gambling websites licensed abroad.

The Legal Affairs Committee of the Swiss National Council voted 13-12 to remove language related to such rules from the country’s proposed gambling legislation.

Earlier this month, the country’s Council of States gave its approval to the plans, with the support of the majority of the Swiss land-based gambling market, which has struggled in recent years due to the emergence of online wagering.

However, organisations representing Swiss ISPs heavily criticised the proposal, with ISP companies stating that their own business would be impacted if the regulations were to be put in place.

Following the vote against the plans, the Legal Affairs Committee put forward an alternative option, suggesting that the Swiss Federal Gaming Commission issue warnings to online operators that breach regulations and prosecute those that do not respond to this action.