Best Gaming Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Gaming Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Gaming in Switzerland covers two distinct areas that often overlap in practice. First are money games that involve staking something of value on an outcome partly or wholly determined by chance, such as casino games, lotteries, sports betting, and small games of chance. Second are non-gambling gaming activities, including video games, esports, gaming lounges, and arcades. Arlesheim is in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, so local administration and permits are handled at the cantonal and municipal level, while core gambling rules are set federally.

At the federal level, the Swiss Federal Act on Gambling that entered into force in 2019 governs casinos and online casino games, lotteries, sports betting, and player protection. Casinos and their online extensions are supervised by the ESBK, the federal casino regulator. Lotteries and sports betting are under cantonal responsibility and supervised by the intercantonal regulator Gespa. In northwestern Switzerland, the cantonal lottery and betting offering for consumers is provided by Swisslos. Only licensed Swiss operators may legally offer online money games to residents, and unlicensed sites are subject to blocking measures.

For non-gambling gaming, Switzerland applies consumer protection, data protection, youth protection, advertising, event, and business licensing rules. Video game age ratings are guided by industry standards and evolving youth protection legislation. Municipal and cantonal rules can apply to gaming lounges, esports events, and arcades, especially where minors are present or where prize promotions are offered.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You want to organize a raffle, tombola, or small poker tournament for a club or venue in Arlesheim and need to know whether it qualifies as a small game of chance, what permit is required, and what information must be disclosed to participants.

You plan to open a gaming lounge or arcade and must ensure you do not inadvertently offer prohibited money games, that your equipment is compliant, and that your house rules and age checks meet youth protection requirements.

You operate or want to partner with a Swiss-licensed online casino or sports betting provider and need regulatory, advertising, affiliate marketing, and responsible gaming compliance advice, including geoblocking and payment controls.

You face a dispute with an operator over account closures, self-exclusion enforcement, KYC-AML checks, winnings, or chargebacks, and you want to understand your rights and the proper complaint channels.

You represent an esports team, venue, or event organizer and need contracts, prize rules, sponsorship and advertising guidance, visa and employment compliance, and risk management for tournaments in Basel-Landschaft.

You develop or publish games and want to assess whether loot boxes or prize promotions could be classified as money games, how to structure sweepstakes or skill contests lawfully, and how to present terms to Swiss consumers.

You are concerned about data protection and consumer law compliance for player analytics, in-app purchases, and parental controls under the revised Swiss data protection framework.

You have questions about tax treatment of winnings or business revenues linked to money games or promotions and want canton-specific guidance for Basel-Landschaft.

You received an enforcement notice or inquiry from a regulator or payment provider and need to respond promptly while preserving your rights.

Local Laws Overview

Federal framework for money games. The Federal Act on Gambling governs casinos and their online games, lotteries, sports betting, small games of chance, advertising, player protection, and enforcement. The ESBK supervises casinos and their online offerings. Gespa supervises intercantonal lotteries and bets and issues directives for small games of chance. Only licensed Swiss operators may offer online money games to persons in Switzerland. Unlicensed sites are subject to network blocking and other measures.

Cantonal responsibility in Basel-Landschaft. The canton implements and enforces the federal framework for lotteries and bets on its territory, participates in intercantonal cooperation with Gespa, and handles permits for small games of chance such as local lotteries, tombolas, and certain poker tournaments when conditions are met. Organizers in Arlesheim typically apply at the cantonal level and may also need municipal event approval.

Monopoly for lotteries and sports betting. In German-speaking Switzerland, Swisslos provides the authorized lottery and sports betting offering. Private entities may not offer competing public lotteries or betting services without authorization.

Casinos and slot machines. Casino games and slot machines are allowed only in licensed casinos and their licensed online platforms. Slot machines or other chance-based payout devices are prohibited outside casinos. Amusement machines without cash prizes or chance-based payouts can be operated subject to local business and youth protection rules.

Small games of chance. Tombolas, small local lotteries, and limited-scope poker tournaments outside casinos can be authorized under strict conditions related to stakes, prize value, transparency, frequency, and risk mitigation. Organizers must apply in advance and comply with participant information and accounting obligations. Exact thresholds and documentation are set by ordinance and Gespa guidance and are applied by the canton.

Age limits and player protection. The minimum age for casinos, online casinos, lotteries, and sports betting is typically 18. Operators must implement identity checks, self-exclusion systems, and responsible gaming measures. Casinos must intervene and exclude players when there are indications of overindebtedness or excessive play. Exclusions generally apply across channels.

Advertising. Advertising for money games is restricted. It must not target minors, mislead about chances of winning, or trivialize risks. Cross-border advertisements by unlicensed operators are not permitted. Affiliates and venues are responsible for compliant marketing within Switzerland.

Data protection and consumer law. The revised Federal Act on Data Protection applies to gaming businesses that process personal data of Swiss residents. Clear privacy notices, purpose limitation, data minimization, and security are expected. Consumer protection rules apply to pricing transparency, refunds, and unfair commercial practices.

Loot boxes and video games. Loot boxes in video games are generally not treated as gambling if the items cannot be monetized or cashed out. If a mechanic involves staking value for a chance to win something with real-world monetary value, it may raise money game issues. Youth protection and fair advertising rules still apply even where gambling law does not.

Taxation. Tax treatment varies by game type and amount. Winnings from licensed casinos have generally been exempt from income tax for players, while lottery and sports betting winnings may be taxable above certain thresholds. Basel-Landschaft applies cantonal rules that align with federal principles. Seek specific advice for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online gambling legal in Arlesheim?

Yes, but only via Swiss-licensed operators. Swiss-licensed casinos and the authorized lottery and sports betting providers may offer online services. Access to unlicensed foreign sites is blocked and you have limited or no recourse if you use them.

Do I need a permit to run a raffle or tombola for our school club?

Usually yes. Small games of chance such as raffles and tombolas require prior authorization by the canton and must meet limits on stake and prize values, provide clear rules and winning odds, and keep proper accounts. Apply early and coordinate with your municipality if the event also needs a local event permit.

Can I host a poker tournament at my bar in Arlesheim?

Only if it qualifies as an authorized small game of chance under cantonal rules. Strict limits on buy-in, prize pool, frequency, and number of participants apply, and you must obtain a permit. Poker tournaments outside casinos that do not meet these criteria are prohibited.

What is the legal gambling age?

The minimum age is typically 18 for casinos, online casinos, lotteries, and sports betting. Operators must verify age. Selling or enabling play to minors is a regulatory breach and can lead to sanctions.

Are loot boxes considered gambling in Switzerland?

Not generally if the items cannot be redeemed for money and have no real-world monetary value. If players stake value for a chance to win items that can be monetized or cashed out, gambling rules may be triggered. Youth protection and transparent disclosures are recommended in all cases.

Can a foreign operator advertise to customers in Basel-Landschaft?

Advertising of unlicensed gambling to persons in Switzerland is not permitted. Licensed operators must follow strict marketing rules that avoid targeting minors, avoid misleading claims, and include responsible gaming references.

How do self-exclusion and player bans work?

You can request self-exclusion with a licensed casino or a lottery-betting operator. Casinos must also exclude players if there are indications of gambling-related harm. Exclusions are typically recorded in a system that applies across participating operators and channels. You may apply to lift an exclusion under defined conditions.

How are winnings taxed?

Taxation depends on the type of game and the amount won. Winnings from licensed casinos are generally exempt from income tax. Lottery and sports betting winnings may be tax-free up to a threshold and taxable above it. Confirm current thresholds and cantonal practice with a tax advisor or the Basel-Landschaft tax office.

What are the rules for a gaming lounge or arcade?

You may operate amusement machines that do not pay out money or items of value and do not rely on chance for payouts. Slot machines and chance-based payout devices are restricted to licensed casinos. Ensure compliance with youth protection, opening hours, safety, and business licensing, and provide clear house rules.

What happens if I use an unlicensed gambling site?

Players are not the primary enforcement target, but access to unlicensed sites may be blocked, payments may fail, and you have limited legal protection. You risk losing funds and personal data. Disputes are hard to resolve and regulators will not assist with recovery.

Additional Resources

ESBK - the federal regulator for casinos and online casino extensions. Provides licensing decisions, enforcement actions, and player protection information.

Gespa - the intercantonal gambling supervisory authority for lotteries, sports betting, and small games of chance. Issues guidance used by cantons.

Swisslos - the authorized lottery and sports betting operator for German-speaking Switzerland, including Basel-Landschaft.

Canton Basel-Landschaft administration - the authority that processes permits for small games of chance and coordinates with Gespa. Also your point of contact for event permits and local enforcement.

Municipality of Arlesheim - for venue, event, and public order permits that may be required for raffles or tournaments.

Sucht Schweiz - national addiction support and information, including gambling-related harm.

Regional counseling services for gambling issues in Northwestern Switzerland - for prevention, counseling, and support to individuals and families.

Basel-Landschaft tax office - for questions about taxation of winnings and gaming-related business income.

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner - guidance on data protection duties relevant to online platforms and venues processing player data.

Consumer protection organizations in Switzerland - information on fair terms, refunds, and dispute resolution.

Next Steps

Define your objective. Clarify what you plan to do or what problem you need to solve, such as organizing a raffle, opening a lounge, resolving a dispute, or launching an online offering.

Gather documents. Collect contracts, terms and conditions, payment records, correspondence with operators or authorities, corporate documents, and any draft rules for your promotion or event.

Map the regulator. Determine whether your matter falls under ESBK, Gespa, the canton, or the municipality. For lotteries and small games of chance, expect to work with the canton and Gespa guidance. For casinos and online casino games, ESBK is central.

Check timelines. Permit applications for raffles, tombolas, or small poker events should be submitted well in advance. Marketing materials often require legal review before publication.

Assess compliance. Review eligibility, age checks, responsible gaming disclosures, prize transparency, accounting, advertising, and data protection. Adjust your plan to meet Swiss requirements.

Consult a lawyer. Engage a lawyer with Swiss gaming law experience and familiarity with Basel-Landschaft procedures. Ask for a scope, timeline, and fee estimate. Consider having counsel liaise with the authorities and draft your rules and disclosures.

Implement and monitor. Train staff on ID checks and responsible gaming, document controls, and keep clear records. After the event or launch, review outcomes, report as required, and address any complaints promptly.

Reevaluate and update. Laws and guidance evolve. Periodically review your policies, contracts, and systems to stay aligned with current federal, intercantonal, and cantonal requirements.