A vote on 10 June 2018 on a plan to shake up gambling in Switzerland has widespread support, according to a recent poll run by gfs.bern and reported by RTS.

The plan aims to update existing laws on gambling in Switzerland. Among the changes are the removal of taxation on winnings up to one million francs, the application of Swiss law to any entity offering gambling to Swiss residents, and the blocking of unauthorized gambling websites placed on a public black list.

In addition, the law would demand transparency and safeguards from gambling operators in line with laws applied to casinos.

Switzerland’s Federal Council and parliament, which voted in favour of it by 124 votes to 61 with 9 abstentions, support the plan. The Council of States, which voted 43 for and 1 against, is behind it too.

Those against the plan claim Switzerland’s casino lobby has had too much of a hand in shaping the proposed law.

They are also against cutting taxes on winnings. Under the proposed rules any winnings up to one million francs would be tax free.

Finally, they say the blocking of foreign gambling websites amounts internet censorship.

According to the recent gfs.bern poll, 58% are for or fairly for the initiative. Only a majority (56%) of those aged 18-29 are against or fairly against it. Every other age group shows a majority in favour.

In addition, a majority of voters from all the main political parties support it.

https://lenews.ch/2018/06/01/swiss-vote-to-ban-unauthorized-gambling-websites-set-to-pass/