Swiss Parliament Approves Gambling Website Block

Parliament is Switzerland continues to vote on various sensitive matters that have to do with the gaming industry. Future voting sessions will cover gambling winning taxation and matters that pertain to that. As of now, gambling winnings in Switzerland are tax-free, and players do not have to worry about having chunks of their winnings deducted. Parliament will also vote on this matter on March 15. The senate made it clear that its intent was to keep the winnings tax-free in an amount of up to €939,400. Members will fight to preserve the legislation as it is.

The voting session that just recently ended was the one that pertains to blocking illegal gambling websites. Parliament just settled an ongoing vote on that process and concluded that it would approve the enforcement of such bans. The bans can be positive for players because they can protect them from having their funds taken with no reliable place to go to help them recover those funds. The country felt that it was doing the right thing to protect the people who are playing the games and the businesses that do have legitimate licensing and approval to entice Swiss players.

Another part of the ruling stated that only businesses who owned casinos in Switzerland could have licenses to operate online casinos that Swiss gamblers may frequent. That clause also preserves the profits for Swiss casino owners.

As with any controversial issue, there were opposing parties and supporting parties. Members of the Radical Party supported this ruling to the fullest. In fact, Thierry Burkart said that he knew from experience that blocking works. He commented that his travels to other countries showed him that blocking websites does protect the people that it needs to protect. This new legislation will keep Swiss residents in the regulated online casinos where other companies will not be able to cheat them in any way.

At least two parties brought forth opposition to these votes. Swiss People’s Party and members of the Greens were the two most outspoken opposers of the vote. Franz Grütter likened blocking of illegal gambling websites to dictatorship tactics. He also stated that he did not feel that this new law aligned with the ideals of democrats or liberal persons. It’s quite true that they do not align with liberal ideals, but then again, everyone isn’t a liberal. Parliament has already cast its vote. Disgruntled parties will now need to move on to the next subject and try to make a difference in that.

The opinion of the people did not play much of a role in this issue. The population is split between being happy that someone is looking out for them and wanting to have the freedom to decide which casinos to spend their money on. No one can ever rule perfectly or please all of the people. The leaders made the decision that they felt was the best one for everyone involved. All parties will need to stand down and abide by the rule at this time.