The Swiss Gaming Supervisory Authority (GESPA) has taken a significant step by filing a criminal complaint against FIFA Collect, raising serious questions about the legality of its gambling services in Switzerland. This move highlights ongoing concerns regarding FIFA's digital initiatives and their adherence to Swiss regulations. The publication provides the following information:
GESPA's Investigation into FIFA Collect
GESPA's investigation into FIFA Collect began in early October 2023, when the authority discovered that the platform was hosting online competitions requiring user participation fees, with cash prizes at stake. These activities have been classified by GESPA as falling under the categories of lotteries and sports betting, which are strictly regulated by the Swiss Federal Gaming Act.
Referral to Public Prosecutor's Office
In light of these findings, GESPA has escalated the matter by referring it to the public prosecutor's office for further investigation into potential criminal liabilities. As of now, FIFA has not issued any public statement regarding the allegations. This leaves many questions unanswered about the future of its digital gambling initiatives in Switzerland.
In light of regulatory challenges faced by FIFA Collect, Binance has recently launched a user reporting incentive program to enhance compliance efforts. This initiative aims to engage users in maintaining platform integrity and can be explored further in the full article.