Swiss referendum results released

The exit poll predictions by Swiss research institute gfs.bern on Sunday (see previous report) proved to be accurate that evening when the official figures for the referendum confirmed that the tough gambling reforms passed by parliament received support from 73 percent vs. 23 percent of votes against – mainly from younger demographics.

The voter turn-out was described as low.

A spokesman for the Christian Democratic Party described the vote for the government proposals as a pragmatic decision by Swiss voters who support the concept of funding civil society projects with revenue emanating from taxes on local casinos and lotteries.

The reform makes online gambling the exclusive preserve of Swiss authorised gambling companies, who may nevertheless partner with foreign firms in a similar model to that which evolved in Belgium.

Opponents to the government’s reforms expressed disappointment at the result, some repeating their belief that the enforcement measures enshrined in the law constitutes censorship of the internet.

The Swiss Federation of Casinos welcomed the result and commented that government may offer a four-year tax break to operators that elect to offer online products following concerns that the sliding scale tax rate, which runs from 20 percent on GGR to as much as 50 percent, could be too onerous at the top end, making Swiss offers less competitive and profitable.

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