Switzerland

Belgium’s Ardent Group has purchased a 44% stake in Stadtcasino Baden AG’s Swiss land-based gaming venue Casino Davos.

Stadtcasino will retain a 46% stake in the venue, while the Davos Tourism Organisation will hold the remaining 10% stake.

The firms said in a joint statement: “Stadtcasino Baden Group has made the strategic decision to operate Casino Davos in the future together with a partner with many years of online casino experience.

“The choice fell on the Casino de Spa SA, which is part of the Belgian Ardent Group, and already successfully runs its own licensed online casino.”

On 10th June, Swiss citizens will vote on whether to approve the country’s new online gambling laws, which restrict online casino operations to companies that have partnered with local land-based casino operators. Internationally licensed gambling sites that fail to secure such deals will have their domains blocked by local internet service providers.

Detlef Brose, Stadtcasino Baden’s Chief Executive, added: “If the gambling law is passed on 10th June, we will immediately and together with our new partner, develop a competitive online offer for Casino Davos to promote us as early as possible for an online license extension.”