Regulators Expand National Blacklist

Authorities in Switzerland have intensified their enforcement drive against unlicensed gambling operators, adding a fresh wave of domains to the country’s official blacklist.

The coordinated action was led by the Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (ESBK) and Gespa, targeting offshore websites offering casino games and sports betting services to Swiss players without domestic authorisation.

As of February 2026, the cumulative tally of restricted domains listed under the Liste der Gesperrten has climbed to nearly 3,000.

Enhanced Monitoring Mandate

Tighter oversight of online channels

The latest sweep forms part of a broader directive requiring regulators to strengthen monitoring across digital and media environments.

Under the updated approach:

  • The blacklist will be refreshed more frequently
  • ESBK and Gespa will coordinate enforcement actions
  • Internet service providers remain obligated to block access to non-compliant domains

ESBK supervises online casino operations, while Gespa oversees sports betting and lottery activities at an inter-cantonal level. Both bodies enforce the Federal Gambling Act, formally known as the Bundesgesetz über Geldspiele (BGS).

Legal Basis for Blocking

The BGS, in force since 2019, requires all online gambling operators serving Swiss customers to hold a domestic licence. In practice, this typically excludes:

  • Offshore operators without Swiss approval
  • Platforms concealing the origin of their services
  • Sites operating outside partnerships with authorised land-based casinos

The law empowers regulators to impose network blocks, compelling Swiss ISPs to prevent domestic access to blacklisted websites.

ESBK continues to focus on unauthorised online casino operators, while Gespa applies equivalent controls to illegal sports betting and lottery-style offerings.

The Licensed Market Model

Casino partnerships only

Switzerland’s framework allows online casino licences exclusively through partnerships with canton-approved land-based casinos. Independent online operators remain outside the regulated system.

The country’s first licensed platform launched in July 2019 when Casino Baden introduced jackpots.ch. It was followed by Casino Lucerne and Casino Pfäffikon, among others.

Today, ESBK promotes nine authorised online casino partnerships operating within the legal framework.

Importantly, Swiss consumers who access unlicensed platforms are not committing a criminal offence. However, regulators have consistently warned that offshore sites often lack adequate player protection measures and responsible gambling safeguards.

Federal Review of the Gambling Act

In November 2025, the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) initiated a formal evaluation of the 2018 Gambling Act.

The review will examine:

  • Channelisation performance
  • Consumer protection standards
  • Market integrity safeguards
  • The effectiveness of enforcement tools, including the blacklist

The findings could determine whether the current regulatory model requires recalibration after seven years in force.

DACH Market Implications

Austria and Germany under pressure

Switzerland’s reassessment may resonate across the wider DACH region.

In Austria, calls to revisit the long-standing online casino monopoly have intensified. Legal challenges and EU compatibility concerns have fuelled debate over potential liberalisation or structural reform.

Meanwhile, federal states in Germany are beginning early discussions on the structural weaknesses of the Fourth Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). Industry stakeholders continue to highlight:

  • High effective tax burdens exceeding 50% of GGR
  • Channelisation gaps
  • Restrictions on online casino products and in-play betting

Despite mounting criticism, legislative reform across the region remains measured. Operators continue to navigate regulatory systems that many argue are misaligned with the realities of a digital gambling market.

Summary

Switzerland’s blacklist now approaches 3,000 domains as regulators sharpen enforcement against offshore gambling operators. Backed by the Federal Gambling Act, ESBK and Gespa are stepping up monitoring and blocking measures to protect the licensed market. With a federal review of the law underway, the outcome could influence not only Switzerland’s future framework but also regulatory debates unfolding across Austria and Germany.