Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in Switzerland
Switzerland has a nationwide gambling ban, the Spielsperre (interdiction de jeu in French), shared between all casinos and the operators of online large-scale games such as Swisslos and Loterie Romande. You can request a voluntary ban at any Swiss casino; it then applies to every land-based and online casino in the country and to online lottery and betting products. Casinos must also impose bans themselves when they see signs of gambling addiction or financial overreach, and family members can report concerns. Bans typically run for at least a year and are open-ended until lifted. Lifting is not automatic: you must apply, and where the ban was linked to addiction, a specialist is involved in the decision.
- Scheme
- Spielsperre (gambling ban)
- Type
- National register
- Minimum
- Usually 1 year
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
Go to any Swiss casino
Ask at reception or for the social-protection officer and say you want a Spielsperre. You can also request it through a licensed online casino's account settings or customer service.
- 2
Bring valid ID
Bring your passport or identity card so your identity can be recorded correctly in the shared register.
- 3
Complete the request
Sign the ban request. It is entered into the register used by all Swiss casinos and online large-scale game operators.
- 4
Know what is covered
The ban applies to all Swiss land-based and online casinos and to online lottery and betting products. Retail lottery tickets bought anonymously are not technically blocked.
- 5
Block illegal sites too
Unlicensed foreign sites are DNS-blocked but may still be reachable. Install blocking software and consider asking your bank about gambling payment blocks.
- 6
Get counselling
Call SOS Spielsucht or your cantonal addiction service for free support.
- 7
Lifting the ban
Apply in writing to the operator that imposed the ban. You must show the reasons for the ban no longer apply; if it was linked to addiction, a recognised specialist or counselling service must be involved.
Before you start — what to know
- One request covers every Swiss casino, land-based and online, plus online lotteries and betting.
- Casinos must impose bans themselves when they detect signs of addiction or unaffordable gambling.
- Family and friends can report a vulnerable person to a casino, which then decides whether to impose a ban.
- Bans do not lapse automatically; lifting requires an application and, for addiction-related bans, a specialist's involvement.
- Foreign online casinos are illegal in Switzerland and do not check the Swiss register.
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Frequently asked questions
Is online casino legal in Switzerland?
Yes, but only through the online platforms of Swiss land-based casinos that have received an ESBK extension. Foreign online casinos are blocked.
Can I bet on sport online?
Only with Swisslos or Loterie Romande, which hold the rights to large-scale lotteries and sports betting in their regions.
Are gambling winnings taxed?
Casino winnings are generally tax-free. Lottery and betting winnings are tax-free up to CHF 1 million; amounts above that are taxable.
How do I ban myself from gambling?
Request a Spielsperre at any Swiss casino. It covers all Swiss casinos, online and offline, and online large-scale games.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.