In January 2019 Switzerland implemented the Federal Act on Real-Money Gambling (Bundesgesetz über Geldspiele) pushing the Swiss canton of Glarus to launch a public consultation on a series of changes of its gambling laws.
The Glarus Department of Security and Justice is convinced that new federal laws require revision because these drastically affect the local economy. These laws outlaw unlicensed activities and permitted land-based casinos to secure igaming licenses.
The cantons have a two-year window to adapt their regulations to the new federal model. Officials from Glarus are looking forward to finding a way how to create more opportunities for small-scale gambling activities. They aim to allow the operations of small lotteries, skill gaming machines, and poker tournaments. Still, local sports betting activities will not be permitted.
Every gambling product (except small-scale, non-profit raffles and lotteries) will require licenses. Poker tournament organizers will need to pay a fee between CHF100 (£83/€92/$102) and CHF1, 000 per player. The exact amount of this fee depends on the size of the tournament.
The fee for every skill gaming machine will wary between CHF100 and CHF2, 500 yearly.
Games based for entertainment such as pinball, darts, foosball or video games do not require regulatory approval anymore, although the number of these machines per venue will have a certain limit.
Organizers who skip the fees or organize the event contrary to regulations will face CFH5,000 fine or three-year ban that will prevent them to host such events in the canton.
There were no changes regarding gambling between cantons. Glarus will continue to earn the same amount of money from these events as it was before the regulation.
The public can share their opinions and concerns about proposed regulation until October 21st before it goes to a public vote. On a cantonal assembly, citizens can converse and debate about this matter publicly in a civilized manner.
Switzerland has one of the oldest forms of direct democracy and we will no doubt see it in action during the regulation debate.
