Bern, Feb 25: Swiss regulators have intensified their campaign against unauthorized online gambling, adding 376 new web domains to the country’s official blacklist in one of the largest single updates to date.The move underscores Switzerland’s firm stance against offshore betting operators that attempt to target local players without proper authorization. In this latest sweep, authorities not only blocked the gambling platforms themselves but also a significant number of affiliate websites accused of directing Swiss users toward illegal casinos and sportsbooks.Strict Rules Under Federal LawSwitzerland operates under a tightly controlled gambling framework governed by the Federal Act on Money Games (AMG). The law permits only licensed, land-based Swiss casinos to extend their services into the online space.Under the current system:Online casinos may operate legally only if they are extensions of established, land-based Swiss gaming venues that have secured a federal license.
Lotteries and sports betting are managed exclusively by the two public operators, Swisslos and Loterie Romande.Foreign gambling companies are prohibited from offering their services to Swiss residents without approval.Regulators argue that this structure ensures consumer protection, combats money laundering, and channels gambling revenue toward public-interest initiatives.How the Blocking WorksTo enforce the rules, authorities rely primarily on DNS blocking. Internet service providers (ISPs) in Switzerland are required to prevent access to domains placed on the blacklist.When users attempt to visit one of the restricted sites, their request is intercepted, and instead of reaching the gambling platform, they are redirected to a notice page explaining that the site is unauthorized.Although some players attempt to bypass these restrictions using VPN services, Switzerland’s highest court has repeatedly upheld the legality of DNS blocking as a proportionate measure to safeguard consumers and maintain regulatory control.A Rapidly Growing ListThe addition of 376 domains significantly expands an already extensive blacklist.
By mid-2025, roughly 2,600 gambling-related websites had been restricted. With the newest entries, the total is now approaching 3,000 blocked domains.Officials describe the process as ongoing, noting that offshore operators frequently register new web addresses after previous ones are blocked. As a result, regulators conduct regular reviews and updates to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.A “Closed but Controlled” MarketSwiss authorities maintain that a tightly regulated domestic market is the best way to protect players while ensuring transparency and accountability. Revenues generated through licensed gambling are directed toward social programs, cultural initiatives, and sports development — a model officials say would be undermined by unregulated foreign operators.While critics argue that determined users can still find ways around the restrictions, regulators remain confident that the policy strikes the right balance between consumer freedom and public protection.With hundreds of new domains now barred from access, Switzerland has once again signaled that it intends to keep a firm grip on its online gambling market.
