Liechtenstein Extends Online Gambling Ban to 2028 Despite Market Pressure

The gambling landscape in the Principality of Liechtenstein is currently facing a paradoxical situation. While land-based casinos are firmly established in the economic fabric, the digital sector remains officially closed. The government recently decided to extend the ban on issuing online gambling licenses until 2028. This means it remains impossible for operators to obtain a state license to operate online casinos directly within the principality. Nevertheless, reality shows that players from the region can access a variety of platforms that often advertise their services with specific Swiss Franc (CHF) accounts.

A detailed study of the market for the year 2026 shows how complex the selection has become for users. Ten providers were put through their paces, revealing significant differences in quality. While brands like Winz.io stand out by publishing a concrete license number from the Tobique Gaming Commission (No. 0000002), many other operators remain vague. Often, they merely refer to the laws of Curacao without naming a verifiable number. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for players to enforce their rights in case of a dispute, as no independent arbitration is possible without a license number.

Numbers and facts

The economic importance of gambling in Liechtenstein is immense but has so far been limited to physical locations. In 2018, the first full fiscal year with legal casinos, the two active houses at the time generated a combined Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of 53.5 million CHF. Of this, 19.9 million CHF flowed directly to the state as taxes and fees, representing an effective tax rate of 34.5 percent. Despite these revenues, skepticism toward the online market remains high. Instead, the government is focusing on closer cooperation with its neighbors. Starting next year, an agreement with Switzerland is set to take effect, regulating the exchange of information on banned players to ensure effective cross-border player protection.

The current comparison of online providers also shows technical finesses and legal pitfalls. For example, Mino Casino attracts players with a Battle Pass and 100 loyalty levels, while Bets.io lists Franc amounts directly in the bonus rules to avoid conversion losses for players. A key quote highlights the need for careful scrutiny:

"Anyone comparing casinos online quickly realizes: the differences lie in the fine print, not in the banner." - Editorial assessment of the 2026 market situation

Background

The ban on online licenses is not new but has now been extended by the government to curb expansion in the wealthy nation. As early as 2022, a freeze on new licenses in the land-based sector was imposed. However, a referendum in which 70 percent of eligible voters participated resulted in a 73.3 percent majority against a total casino ban through 2028. Citizens value the economic benefits, while politicians warn of gambling addiction risks and potential reputational damage. It is particularly critical that providers like Kaasino or RedRacer list Liechtenstein as a restricted country in their terms, showing that not every advertised bonus is legally secure for residents of the principality.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the situation in Liechtenstein serves as a cautionary tale. Since Liechtenstein is not a member of the EU, different mechanisms apply compared to the European internal market. German users should strictly adhere to the requirements of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). In Germany, only providers listed on the official whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) may be used. These casinos guarantee compliance with the 1,000-euro monthly deposit limit via the LUGAS system as well as the 1-euro per spin stake limit for virtual slot machines. Platforms that only hold licenses from Curacao or Anjouan do not offer this protection and are illegal in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Developments in Liechtenstein and Switzerland show that regulation in Europe is becoming increasingly fragmented. GGL-licensed casinos in Germany must distinguish themselves through the highest level of transparency. While providers like Winz.io advertise wager-free bonuses, German legal casinos must meet strict requirements for bonus advertising. The cooperation between Liechtenstein and Switzerland on player protection could serve as a model for future EU-wide exclusion systems, though it currently goes beyond the German OASIS system as it crosses national borders. German players should note that winnings from unlicensed providers abroad are not legally enforceable, and participation in illegal gambling can have criminal consequences.