Land-based tables and slots fall in Switzerland as online secures slight increase

Switzerland's gambling market contracted in 2025, with total Gross Gaming Revenue falling to CHF878 million—a 2.1 percent decline according to data released by the Federal Gaming Commission (CFMJ). The downturn reflects a broader shift in player preferences, with land-based venues bearing the brunt of the decline while the online segment managed a modest uptick.

Land-based gaming, encompassing table games and slot machines, generated CHF564 million, marking a notable retreat from prior-year performance. This contraction aligns with long-term trends across European jurisdictions where brick-and-mortar casinos face sustained pressure from digital alternatives and evolving consumer behavior. Online gaming, by contrast, contributed CHF314 million to the total, demonstrating resilience and capturing an increasing share of the market despite the overall revenue headwind.

The Federal Gaming Commission has maintained an active regulatory posture throughout this period, focusing on consumer protection and market integrity initiatives. These efforts underscore the regulator's commitment to balancing market growth with responsible gambling safeguards—a priority that becomes more acute during periods of market consolidation.

The divergent performance between channels carries implications for Switzerland's licensed operators and the broader regulatory framework. Land-based venues may face mounting pressure to innovate and enhance their offerings to compete with the convenience and variety of online platforms. Conversely, the online sector's stability suggests that regulatory clarity and a well-functioning licensing regime continue to attract and retain players within the legal market, potentially limiting black-market encroachment.

Looking ahead, operators will likely need to adopt omnichannel strategies to offset land-based headwinds, while regulators may scrutinize market concentration and consumer spending patterns to ensure sustainable growth and player welfare.