Liechtenstein extends online gambling ban until 2028, partners with Switzerland to exchange player information

The government of Liechtenstein has extended the ban on online gambling until the end of 2028. The decision to delay online operators from obtaining licenses means the continuing inaccessibility of iGaming in the country, despite the legalization of gambling in 2010. 

Furthermore, Liechtenstein has entered into an agreement with Switzerland for sharing information on banned players, aiming to ensure" effective cross-border player protection." This agreement is expected to be implemented next year.

Despite the online ban, physical casinos in Liechtenstein have been successful. However, a new measure was introduced in 2022, restricting the licensing of new casinos, in an attempt to moderate the growth of gambling in the country.

Earlier in the year, a referendum posed a question to the population of Liechtenstein regarding a total ban on casinos until 2028. The majority of voters, 73.3% of the 70% who participated, voted against the ban, choosing to keep the casinos open. This decision came despite concerns over potential damage to Liechtenstein's reputation and the risk of increased gambling addiction.

Casinos have been a significant source of revenue for Liechtenstein's economy. In 2018, the country's two casinos generated CHF 53.5 million ($53.6 million) in revenue and paid CHF 19.9 million ($23 million) in taxes and gambling fees, as a result of an effective tax rate of 34.5%.