Switzerland releases online gambling bill

federal government of Switzerland has published the first draft of a new bill which would allow online gambling in the Alpine nation for the first time.

According to the bill, which is open for consultation until August, winnings will be tax-free and "small" poker tournaments will be allowed.

The definition of "small" and the details of regulations have yet to be clarified. It is still unknown whether non-Swiss operators would be considered for licences.

If passed, each of Switzerland's 26 cantons would be able to decide upon licensing policies.

An intra-national body would be set up to facilitate co-operation between the cantons and federal gambling authorities.

Foreign online gambling is already freely available in Switzerland and casinos have blamed this for their declining profits.