Switzerland’s regulated gambling market lost momentum in 2025, with total turnover falling below the CHF4 billion threshold for the first time in years. According to the latest figures published by Gespa, the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority responsible for lotteries, sports betting and large-scale skill games, total market turnover declined 2.4% to CHF3.87 billion, while Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR/BSE) fell 3.7%, from CHF1.25 billion to CHF1.203 billion.
The decline highlights a broader slowdown across the Swiss gambling ecosystem. While online channels continued to gain market share, digital growth was no longer strong enough to offset weakness in land-based operations. Online activities accounted for 24% of total GGR, compared with 23% a year earlier, yet online GGR itself declined 1.7%, while land-based operations recorded a steeper 4.3% decrease.
The market remains supervised by two key authorities. Gespa, chaired by Jean-Michel Cina, oversees lotteries, sports betting and large-scale skill games. Casinos are regulated by the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK), chaired by Fabio Abate and operating under the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP). Both authorities enforce the Federal Act on Gambling (Money Gaming Act), which since 2019 has maintained one of Europe’s most restrictive gambling frameworks, allowing online casino operations only through licensed Swiss land-based casino operators.
Lotteries continue to represent the largest segment of the Swiss gambling industry. Swiss Lotto and EuroMillions generated approximately CHF583.1 million in GGR, while instant lottery products contributed CHF316.7 million. Together, these categories accounted for roughly 75% of total GGR. Sports betting generated CHF223.2 million in GGR, while PMU horse-racing betting contributed CHF27.3 million, bringing the combined betting segment to CHF250.5 million, a decline of 5.3% compared with the previous year. Electronic lottery terminals added CHF52.3 million in GGR, while regulated skill games generated CHF19.2 million, up 2.3% year-on-year.
The sector remains dominated by Swisslos and Loterie Romande, whose combined distributable net profit reached CHF814 million, down from CHF854 million the previous year. Swisslos generated CHF562 million, while Loterie Romande contributed CHF252 million. Under Swiss law, these proceeds are distributed by cantonal authorities to support sports, culture and social programs.
Enforcement activity also intensified. During 2025, Gespa reviewed 42 criminal decisions, assisted in 25 criminal investigations, filed four criminal complaints, and expanded its blacklist by 181 new domains, bringing the total number of blocked illegal gambling websites to 671. The authority also continued supporting national and international efforts against illegal gambling and sports manipulation.
For 2026, the Swiss gambling industry faces three major challenges: revitalizing lottery and betting growth, maintaining channelisation within a tightly regulated framework and strengthening enforcement against offshore competition. At the same time, Gespa is preparing a new nationwide gambling behaviour study, with results expected in 2027, which could influence the next generation of responsible gambling and consumer protection measures in Switzerland.
