Slot machines have always been a very popular way to play games of chance. From the very first one-arm bandit to the modern online slots we have today, players love to spin the reels!

Players in Zurich are getting the chance to experience slot machines once again without having to step into a casino.

Slot Machines are Back

Thanks to the approval of the new Federal Gambling Act, slot machines will once again be available outside of casinos since 1994. In 2022, customers will have access to the most popular slot machines in restaurants, bars, and slot halls around the country.

FDP Cantonal councillor, Christian Müller, commented on the new laws, stating:

“The voters have realised that the new slot machines are something completely different. The ban from that time is no longer relevant. This was also proven by experiences from the surrounding cantons, where slot machines have been back for a long time and there has not been a dramatic increase in gambling addiction.”

Other parts of Switzerland (or cantons) have had success with welcome gambling outside of casinos and now it’s Zurich’s turn to experiment with the new Act.

A large part of this change in laws is because of how the Federal Gambling Act is worded. If the canton continued to ban slot machines, they would also have to ban online gambling. Thanks to the new Federal Gambling Act on Money Games, new online casinos are launching in Switzerland and new software providers are also entering the country.

Safer Gambling For Zurich

Before 2018, online gambling was not legal in the country and taxes were being lost to foreign gambling sites. Now, not only can the country claim taxes from online casinos but slot machine operators will also have to pay 10% of the revenue they earn to Zurich – this is more than any other canton to date.

Another interesting addition to the Federal Gambling Act is that slot machines should be designed to help players become more skilled over time. Adjusting wagers and more chances of winning should all be taken into account.

Mark Wisskirchen, Cantonal councillor and managing director of the EPP, added:

“Instead of levying a levy on gaming revenue and investing it in prevention, it would be wiser to practice prevention at the root and not set up machines. Now the canton is torpedoing its own prevention efforts.”

It’s an interesting and exciting time for gambling in Switzerland at the moment and we’re excited to see what’s on the cards next.