Sports betting

Net revenues from sports betting must be used in their entirety for public benefit purposes (Art. 106(6) of the Swiss Federal Constitution).

Part of the stakes wagered in Switzerland flows back to the players in the form of winnings. From the remaining sums (gross revenue), operators first cover their costs. While operators of skill-based games may dispose of their net revenue as they please, the lottery organisations are legally obliged to use theirs for public benefit purposes – particularly for investments in the areas of culture, welfare, sports and the environment.

Part of the net revenue from lotteries and sports betting is used to promote sports at the federal level and is distributed by various responsible bodies. However, the major part goes to the cantons, which may neither have such moneys flow into their state accounts nor use them for statutory liabilities under public law. Most cantons have set up specific lottery or sports funds for the purpose.

Supervising the cantonal bodies that manage the moneys from gambling is not Gespa’s responsibility, but is ensured by the cantons themselves. Accordingly Gespa has no legal or other coercive powers with regard to the use of gambling revenues. However, as from the reporting year 2019, federal law will mandate Gespa to publish annual reports on the cantons’ use of net revenues from large-scale gambling for public benefit purposes (Gambling Act Art. 107(1d)). The report and the Excel file(s) submitted by the cantons can be found under Publications and surveys.