Swiss Gambling Authority Probes FIFA's 'Right to Buy' Blockchain Collectibles
Switzerland's gambling authority, Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (Gespa), has launched a preliminary investigation against FIFA's 'Right to Buy' blockchain collectibles. The probe aims to determine if the football governing body has adhered to local gambling laws.
The 'Right to Buy' collectibles, available on FIFA Collect, the official digital platform operating on its own Avalanche layer-1 network, offer users a chance to secure physical tickets to World Cup games. Prices for these collectibles vary significantly, ranging from $149 to $7,000. Users can acquire them through surprise packs or purchase directly from the secondary marketplace.
Holding a collectible ensures users are not subject to the general queue for ticket purchases. Official World Cup tickets are being sold in phases, with a selection reserved for FIFA Collect users. However, Gespa's investigation seeks to clarify if these blockchain collectibles comply with Swiss gambling legislation.
If found to violate Swiss gambling laws, Gespa may notify criminal prosecution authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and FIFA has not yet commented on the matter. The 'Right to Buy' collectibles, introduced as a novel way to secure World Cup tickets, now face scrutiny regarding their compliance with local gambling regulations.
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