Swiss authorities have added 376 new web domains to the country’s blacklist of unauthorized gambling operators, intensifying efforts to block offshore betting platforms and their affiliates.

The enforcement action was carried out by the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK) together with Gespa, Switzerland’s intercantonal gambling regulator.

Strict Framework Under the Federal Act on Money Games

Switzerland’s gambling market operates under the Federal Act on Money Games (AMG), which establishes a closed and tightly regulated system.

Key provisions include:

  • Only land-based Swiss casinos may apply for licenses to offer online casino games.
  • Lotteries and sports betting are controlled by public monopolies such as Swisslos and Loterie Romande.
  • Foreign operators are prohibited from offering gambling services to Swiss residents.

Regulators argue this framework ensures consumer protection, prevents money laundering, and guarantees that gambling revenues support public-interest causes.

DNS Blocking as Primary Enforcement Tool

To enforce restrictions, Swiss regulators require local internet service providers (ISPs) to implement DNS blocking.

When a Swiss user attempts to access a blacklisted gambling website, the ISP intercepts the request and redirects the user to a government notice instead of allowing access to the platform.

Although some users attempt to bypass blocks using VPN services, Switzerland’s Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld DNS blocking as a lawful and proportionate enforcement mechanism.

Blacklist Nearing 3,000 Domains

The 376 newly added domains mark the latest wave in an ongoing digital enforcement campaign.

By mid-2025, the official blacklist already contained approximately 2,600 restricted domains. With the latest additions, the total number of blocked offshore gambling websites is now approaching 3,000.

Notably, regulators also targeted affiliate sites promoting unauthorized operators, reflecting a broader strategy aimed at cutting off traffic channels as well as direct operators.

Reinforcing a Closed Market Model

Swiss authorities maintain that a “closed but controlled” gambling system is essential to:

  • Protect players from unregulated platforms
  • Combat financial crime
  • Support responsible gaming safeguards
  • Channel gambling revenue toward public programs

As offshore operators continue to test market boundaries, Switzerland’s blacklist is expected to keep expanding, reinforcing one of Europe’s most restrictive online gambling regimes.