Switzerland’s gambling regulator files a criminal complaint against FIFA Collect, alleging the NFT platform operates as an unlicensed gambling provider.
Switzerland’s Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA) has filed a criminal complaint now. Specifically, the complaint is against FIFA Collect, which is an effective non-fungible token (NFT) platform by FIFA. GESPA claims the platform amounts to an unlicensed gambling operator under current Swiss law. This move underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny on Web3 platforms worldwide.
GESPA Confirms Suspicions Over Chance-Based NFT Rewards
On Friday, GESPA officially made the complaint public. The research started out early October 2025 and promptly verified suspicions. Therefore, the regulator claims that the platform currently provides unlicensed gambling services. These services are considered illegal in the Swiss territory. Moreover, the complaint was made straight away to the appropriate authorities of the prosecution.
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Specifically, the regulator singles out the competition on the platform. Incentives: They include user rewards such as airdrop campaigns and other challenges. However, GESPA argues that the element of chance in the reward claim is what is important. Thus, participation is considered a form of gambling in the eyes of the current Swiss Law. Hence, the legal classification is based on the existence of money interest and chance in the present case.
The regulator contends that these activities are in part lotteries, as they are now. Moreover, the activities are partly categorized into successful sports betting. This is because there is the chance of gaining monetary advantages in the present. In addition, the advantages are also based on random draws or chance-oriented methods. Nevertheless, the final legal measurement is due to the criminal prosecution authorities.
The FIFA Collect was first launched in 2022. For example, the platform actively motivates users to engage in the collection and trade of NFTs that exist on the blockchain. These digital collectibles have exclusive access and advantages. For example, they offer the right to purchase FIFA World Cup tickets. This includes tickets for the 2026 World Cup (now).
FIFA Plans Launch of Its Own Blockchain on Avalanche Network
Additionally, now, FIFA Collect allows “Right to Buy” (RTB) tokens. These tokens give holders the right, but not obligation, to purchase tickets. This right is granted at the face value. Initially, the NFT platform of FIFA was running on the Algorand blockchain. Later, it migrated to the Polygon network in 2023 successfully.
However, FIFA has also come out with plans to move further now. In particular, they plan to use their own “FIFA Blockchain”. The proposed Layer-1 subnet on the Avalanche network is currently intended as Layer-1. This is a great indicator of the platform’s dynamic technological evolution.
Ultimately this regulatory complaint is very important to the industry. Therefore, it highlights the legal uncertainties around Web3 platforms worldwide. This is especially the case for the sports and entertainment ticketing industries today. As a result, the integration of novel technologies such as NFTs demands clarity on the regulatory front at this point.
In addition, GESPA has a legal obligation to report to prosecution officials on time. This must be done if it gets any notice concerning the breach of any gambling act. As a result, this complaint is a loud signal to the other providers. Therefore, platforms need to ensure that their reward mechanisms are fully in line with local laws today.
In conclusion, this legal challenge outlines a critical precedent at present. Furthermore, it highlights the need for clear licensing for Web3 applications. As a result, the outcome will affect the definition of gambling by the regulators. This impacts all random reward mechanisms found in the NFT and digital assets space across the world.
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