The Swiss parliament has voted in favour of a measure that requires internet service providers in the country to begin blocking access to illegal gambling websites. The lower section of the House of Representatives yesterday (Wednesday) gave its approval to the plan after the upper house had previously given the green light to the proposal. In addition, the House yesterday approved a measure that states only casinos based in Switzerland can receive an online licence. The move comes after the Legal Affairs Committee of the Swiss National Council in January voted to withdraw plans to introduce legislation to begin the…

Switzerland has withdrawn plans to introduce regulation that would require internet service providers (ISPs) in the country to block online gambling websites licensed abroad. The Legal Affairs Committee of the Swiss National Council voted 13-12 to remove language related to such rules from the country’s proposed gambling legislation. Earlier this month, the country’s Council of States gave its approval to the plans, with the support of the majority of the Swiss land-based gambling market, which has struggled in recent years due to the emergence of online wagering. More at iGaming Business

iGaming Business – The Swiss Federal Government has published the first draft of a new bill that will enable regulated online gambling in the country for the first time. The Pokerfuse.com website reports that the bill, which was introduced last week, will allow land-based casinos in Switzerland to use their licences to also operate an internet gambling service. The draft gambling bill does not contain any reference to overseas operators and whether such companies will be allowed to enter the Swiss online gaming market. The bill, which is now out for consultation until August 20, 2014, states that all online…