Swiss ESBK gathers 81 experts in Bern to strengthen illegal gambling fight

Switzerland's Federal Gaming Board (ESBK) held the fourth national meeting on combating illegal gambling in Bern on 20 October 2026. The event brought together 81 representatives of federal and cantonal authorities involved in preventing and suppressing unauthorised gambling activity.

Delegations from 22 cantons and from all three of the country's language regions took part. The meeting was held under the motto "Pratica – Collaborazione – Innovazione" (practice, collaboration, innovation), and participants shared experiences, compared operational practices and discussed difficulties encountered in enforcement work.

The programme, organised by the ESBK with invited speakers, covered several aspects of investigative and supervisory work. It focused in particular on the use of artificial intelligence in investigations and criminal prosecution, and also addressed advertising of illegal games on social media, sports betting and procedures for confiscating assets and proceeds linked to unauthorised gambling.

According to the ESBK, cooperation between institutions and the competent offices is a fundamental element in addressing illegal gambling effectively. The ESBK said the meetings are intended to encourage the circulation of knowledge, draw on experience gained by the different administrations and strengthen coordination at national level. The board has organised the initiative for the fourth year.