The Loterie Romande will reduce commissions paid to kiosk owners on sports betting stakes from 7% to 5%, which could weaken their income. In compensation, they will now receive 1% of amounts collected in-store.
This change only applies to sports betting. Commissions for other lottery games remain unchanged, ranging from 2% for horse betting (PMU) to 10% for scratch games and slightly over 8% for EuroMillions and Swiss Lotto.
Nevertheless, sports betting is an important source of kiosk revenue. According to operators, it accounts for around 30% of Romande-related income for many kiosks and even more for those specialising in it.
Retailers say they are already under pressure from rising card payment fees and the shift towards online gambling, which reduces footfall.
A calculation based on figures highlights the impact. In one week in early April, one specific kiosk earned CHF 330 from sports betting under the current 7% commission. Under the new system (5% plus 1% on in-store transactions), the kiosk would earn about CHF 285, a drop of almost 14%.
The Loterie Romande says adjusting commissions is necessary “to ensure the sustainability of its economic model through the attractiveness of its games and the generation of profits for the public benefit.” It also notes that sports betting is growing, which has increased payouts to retailers.
The Loterie Romande states that commissions adequately compensate retailers. According to its Communications Director, total commissions paid to sales points reached about CHF 80m in 2024, averaging around CHF 33,000 per outlet.
Since 7 January 2025, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have enforced an agreement that bans individuals barred from casinos in one country from gambling in the other, strengthening protections against gambling addiction
