Switzerland Blocks 376 More Domains in Latest Gambling Crackdown

Swiss authorities have taken another decisive step against unauthorized online gambling, adding 376 newly identified web domains to the country’s official restriction list. The move forms part of an ongoing effort to shield the domestic market from operators based abroad that continue to target Swiss players without approval.

The latest action did not focus solely on the gambling websites themselves. Regulators also went after promotional and referral pages that were directing traffic from Switzerland to those unapproved services.

A Closed System Built on National Law

Switzerland operates one of Europe’s most tightly controlled gambling frameworks under the Federal Act on Money Games. The legislation allows only land-based casinos holding a Swiss concession to extend their services online.

When it comes to lottery and sports-related games, the market is reserved for two public entities: Swisslos and Loterie Romande. Foreign companies are not permitted to offer gambling services to Swiss residents.

Oversight is divided between the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK), which supervises casinos, and Gespa, responsible for lotteries and sports-related games. Both bodies routinely monitor the internet for operators attempting to bypass Swiss law.

How the Blocks Work in Practice

The enforcement mechanism is largely technical. Swiss regulators require domestic internet service providers to restrict access to domains listed as illegal.

In most cases, this is done through DNS filtering. If a user inside Switzerland tries to open one of the prohibited sites, the connection request is intercepted. Instead of reaching the gambling homepage, the user is redirected to an official notification page explaining that the address is blocked under Swiss law.

Although some individuals attempt to sidestep these restrictions using anonymizing tools, the country’s highest court has repeatedly confirmed that such blocking measures are lawful and proportionate.

The Blacklist Keeps Growing

The addition of 376 domains is far from symbolic. By mid-2025, roughly 2,600 domains had already been restricted. With this latest update, the total number of blocked addresses is approaching the 3,000 mark.

Authorities argue that maintaining a tightly regulated environment is essential. They maintain that a controlled national system helps prevent financial crime, ensures tax revenues remain within the country, and supports funding for public-interest initiatives. Strict oversight is also seen as a key safeguard against gambling-related harm.

For Swiss regulators, the message is clear: if a gambling operator does not hold the proper authorization, it will not be allowed to operate in the Swiss digital space.

While Swiss authorities continue tightening restrictions on unauthorized foreign operators, licensed brands are moving in the opposite direction. At the same time as hundreds of offshore domains are being blocked, regulated partnerships — such as Gaming Realms’ expansion in Switzerland with Swiss Casinos — highlight how the country’s controlled market rewards those who follow the rules.