Switzerland Poker Laws Remain Jumbled With Federal Council Ruling

The current poker laws in Switzerland do not allow for poker tournaments outside of casinos. After an attempt was made to change the poker laws, it appears that it will remain status quo for the coming years.

Councillors from both sides of the political aisle had agreed that the poker laws should be expanded to allow tournaments in places other than casinos. While the Councillors were in agreement, the Federal Council was not.

The Federal Council rejected the plan, and that means that poker events will remain exclusive to casinos. The ruling deals a blow to those who were hoping that employment opportunities could be created through the addition of the tournaments elsewhere.

"The laws in Switzerland are for the most part in line with many other countries when it comes to the game of poker," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "It was going to take an overwhelming argument for the Federal Council to agree to change the laws, and the promise of additional jobs was simply not enough."

The Swiss that enjoy playing poker amongst friends in the comfort of their own homes can rest easy after the decision. Poker games between family and friends remain legal under the law, as long as there is no profit being made by the house from the poker game.

Although millions of people in Switzerland play poker, the US remains the top poker market in the country, according to most analysts. The US may be in the process of opening up their online poker market to a regulated system. Lawmakers are pushing to overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 and create a regulated Internet gambling industry in the country.

September 7, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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