In recent years, the gaming sector, particularly within regulated digital entertainment, has begun exploring technologies capable of transforming how users interact with platforms. Among these, blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have presented real opportunities for cross-sector innovation, often tied to artistic or charitable projects.
One of the most relevant examples took place in Lugano, a city long committed to promoting decentralized innovation through its Lugano Plan B initiative. In 2023, Lugano hosted one of the first-ever NFT auctions connected to a physical casino.
Digital Art, NFTs, and Solidarity: The Casinò di Lugano Case
The Casinò di Lugano, in collaboration with blockchain company NOKU and built on Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) infrastructure, developed a collection of 52 unique digital cards auctioned for charity. Proceeds supported the Fondazione per il Bambino Malato della Svizzera Italiana, a foundation dedicated to improving care and research for ill children in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.
The event, held with the support of the Mayor of Lugano and prominent figures from the blockchain space, highlighted how art, technology, and social commitment can come together in a project with real-world impact.
Gaming and Blockchain: Two Spheres in Dialogue, Within the Law
It’s important to note that in Switzerland, cryptocurrencies are currently not accepted as a payment method within licensed online casinos. However, this does not prevent gaming companies from exploring parallel, compliant initiatives within a well-defined regulatory framework.
Collaboration between public institutions, tech innovators, and local organizations has demonstrated how blockchain technology can be implemented without conflicting with existing laws – and, in fact, can be used to support cultural and social values through innovative tools.
A Growing Ecosystem
The Lugano event reflects a broader European trend in which blockchain applications in gaming are increasingly being explored, though always with a sharp focus on compliance. In other countries, similar experiments have emerged around decentralized gamification, digital collectibles, and interactive metaverses.
Even some traditional online games are experiencing renewed popularity thanks to mechanics that resemble modern crypto economies. One notable example is plinko, a simple, visual game that echoes reward-based interactions found in contemporary platforms.
According to CoinDesk and NonFungible.com, the sectors of digital art, gaming, and collectibles remain among the most active within the NFT space – though they fluctuate as the market matures and regulations evolve.
Final Thoughts: Meaningful Synergies, Powered by Transparency
The Casinò di Lugano example serves as a virtuous model of how the gaming industry can engage in the blockchain conversation without overstepping legal boundaries. In fact, it’s precisely by respecting those boundaries that credible projects emerge – ones capable of fostering genuine connections between technology and local communities.
Important Note on Responsible Gaming
It is essential to highlight that cryptocurrencies are not accepted as a valid form of payment by any licensed online casino in Switzerland. Players should always rely on certified and legally authorized gaming platforms. Trusting only licensed operators ensures transparency, consumer protection, and a safe, responsible gaming environment.