Leadership Change at Casino Neuchâtel: CEO Pascal Passarelli Announces Resignation

A significant change in leadership is looming in the Swiss casino industry. Pascal Passarelli, the long-serving Director of Casino Neuchâtel, has decided to vacate his position in the summer of 2027. This news marks the end of an era, as Passarelli has been instrumental in shaping the establishment since its very first hour in 2012. The Board of Directors of Kursaal Bern AG announced this decision on November 2, 2026, via an ad-hoc release. At 59 years old, the manager looks back on a career in which he not only opened the casino but also navigated it through the regulatory complexities of the Swiss gambling market.

The announcement comes at a time when Casino Neuchâtel stands on a stable foundation. A central milestone of his tenure was the successful renewal of the concession. This ensures the operation of the site in the long term until the end of 2044. Consequently, Passarelli leaves his yet unknown successor with a level of planning certainty that is far from guaranteed in the volatile world of gambling. In its statement, the Board of Directors emphasized the Director's expertise in corporate management, marketing, and process development, which significantly contributed to the success of the subsidiary.

Numbers and facts

A look at the raw figures illustrates the continuity under Passarelli. He has been at the helm since 2012. This means that by the time of his departure in summer 2027, he will have led the company for a total of 15 years. Particularly significant is the year 2044, the end date of the current license period. Kursaal Bern AG, which includes the Grand Casino Kursaal Bern with its online platform 7melons.ch alongside Casino Neuchâtel, must now fill the gap left by the experienced strategist. The recruitment process for the position of Directeur Général has already been initiated, according to official information.

Appreciation for the work performed is high, as shown by official statements from the parent company. The collaboration between the Board of Directors and the operational management in Neuchâtel has been regarded as extremely stable over the years.

"The Board of Directors of Casino Neuchâtel SA thanks Pascal Passarelli for the very good cooperation as well as for his great and successful commitment and wishes him only the very best for the future." - Ueli Winzenried, Chairman of the Board of Casino Neuchâtel SA

Background

Casino Neuchâtel is a vital part of the Kursaal Bern Group. The group is broadly positioned and operates a congress center, the Swissôtel Kursaal Bern, and various gastronomic establishments in addition to casinos. Interestingly, the group's sustainability strategy is noteworthy; it is a founding member of the City of Bern's climate platform and holds multiple certifications. Thus, Passarelli had to lead the casino not only economically but also in accordance with the strict ecological and social standards of the holding company. The professional reorientation of the 59-year-old takes place at a time when the operational business is in calmer waters following the successful license award.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, this change at a Swiss casino initially has no direct impact on their daily lives in domestic online casinos. However, the case demonstrates how important long-term licenses are for a provider's stability. In Germany, the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) regulates the market. Anyone wishing to play safely in this country should exclusively use offers that are on the whitelist of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). These providers guarantee compliance with strict rules, such as the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros via the LUGAS system and the stake limit of a maximum of 1 euro per spin on virtual slots.

Swiss providers like 7melons.ch or the physical Casino Neuchâtel operate under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK). While German customers can inform themselves about trends there, the game itself is legally safe and legal for persons residing in Germany only with GGL-licensed providers. However, the change at the top in Neuchâtel underlines that professionalism and regulatory loyalty form the basis for every legal gambling offer, whether in Bern, Neuchâtel, or Berlin.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German GGL casinos can learn from the Passarelli case that personal continuity is a valuable asset. In a market heavily regulated by the OASIS blocking system and strict advertising requirements, leaders with stamina are needed. The extension of a license until 2044, as was possible in Switzerland, is a privilege that German operators can currently only dream of. In this country, concessions are often tied to shorter intervals and stricter audit cycles. An experienced CEO who successfully moderates such processes is worth their weight in gold for any company.