Operator News
Schaffhausen given stay of execution with Winterthur not expected to open until end of 2025
By Phil - 17 June 2024
Whilst the Swiss Casino-owned venue in Schaffhausen should already have closed, its operation is being extended according to the Federal Council.
The Schaffhausen Casino is part of the Swiss Casinos Group, which also includes the future casino in Winterthur. Due to construction delays, Casino Winterthur is not expected to open until the end of 2025. With the extension of the existing license, the Swiss Casino Schaffhausen can continue to offer regulated and safe gaming in the region and generate revenue totaling around 6 million francs for the AHV and the canton of Schaffhausen. In addition, the existing staff in Schaffhausen, who will later work at the Swiss Casino Winterthur, can continue to be employed until it opens
Swiss Casinos stated: “Swiss Casinos consciously decided in 2022 not to submit an application for a new casino license in Schaffhausen and to end operations at the end of 2024. Today’s decision by the Federal Council allows the Swiss Casino Schaffhausen to continue operations until the casino in Winterthur opens, probably in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Federal Council followed the request of the Federal Casino Commission (ESBK) and approved Swiss Casinos’ application.”
“There will be no parallel operation of both casinos. The Schaffhausen Casino must cease operations no later than the opening of the Winterthur Casino. The Federal Council is expected to decide on further action regarding the Schaffhausen concession in 2028, as no suitable candidates for the Schaffhausen zone were found in the last tender for the concessions.”
Melanie Herzog, Director of Swiss Casino Schaffhausen: “The Federal Council discussed and approved our application to extend the license this morning. We are pleased for our employees, our guests and for the Schaffhausen region that we are able to continue operating the existing casino until it opens in Winterthur.”
Daniel Kullmann, designated director of Swiss Casino Winterthur: “This is a clear decision in favour of our guests and all Schaffhausen employees – we can thus ensure a smooth transition to Winterthur.”
