Bern Police Conduct Raid on Alleged Illegal Gambling Operation

Police Raid and Arrest

The Bern Canton Police conducted a raid on an alleged illegal gambling operation on Wankdorffeldstrasse last Friday. During the operation, one person was arrested and evidence was seized. This was not the first incident of its kind in Bern.

Seizure of Cash, Laptops, and Slot Machines

According to the news site Bärn Today, the raid was not random but based on prior investigations. The suspicion was confirmed, as it was discovered on-site that illegal gambling and sports betting were being offered at the establishment. A total of 19 people were checked, and one was arrested. The alleged operators did not have a work permit. To further secure evidence, gaming devices, laptops, and several thousand Swiss Francs in cash were seized.

Allegations of Immigration Law Violations

In addition to accusations of illegal gambling, the Bern Canton Police also initiated investigations into a violation of the Foreigners and Integration Act by the alleged operators.

Restrictiveness of Swiss Gambling Law

Since 2019, Switzerland has implemented a new gambling law to regulate various types of gambling and determine who is permitted to offer them. The law aimed to curb the black market. However, strict gambling regulations may indirectly drive the black market, as online providers without Swiss licenses and illegally installed slot machines attract players with attractive payout rates. This can make it difficult to channel legal gambling.

Legal Options for Players in Bern

Despite illegal gambling operations, there are several legal alternatives for players in Bern, including the Grand Casino Bern and the more casual Spielsalon Piazza. Online, legal gambling options include 7melons.ch, one of the 12 licensed internet offerings in Switzerland, backed by the Grand Casino Bern as the licensee.

The Bern Canton Police had previously uncovered another illegal gambling operation last year, indicating that the fight against the black market is ongoing.