ADM orders blocking of 23 further unlicensed online gambling sites: black list exceeds 11,400 domains
A fresh clampdown on unauthorised gambling. The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has issued an order to block access to 23 additional online gambling sites that lack authorisation, pushing the total of blacklisted domains to 11,481 since the introduction of the official “black list”. This action underlines the firm resolve of Italian authorities to tackle illegal gambling, which continues to proliferate across the internet.
The directive, signed by ADM official Luca Turchi, has been addressed to all internet service providers active in Italy. They are required to carry out the blockade of the identified sites by 24 September 2025, with no scope for delay.
Mechanism of the site blocking
Under Article 102 of Decree-Law No. 104 of 14 August 2020 (converted with amendments into Law No. 126 on 13 October 2020), the measure represents a formal order to cease unlawful activity. The specified domains will be redirected to the IP address 217.175.53.72, which has already been deployed by ADM for managing online blackouts.
This redirection process is a key tool in restricting access for users to gambling platforms that operate without a state-issued licence. The full and regularly updated list of prohibited domains is publicly available on the ADM’s official website in a dedicated section.
The scale of the challenge
Despite continued enforcement, the figures highlight how deeply rooted the phenomenon of unlicensed gambling is in Italy. With over 11,400 domains already blocked, the sheer scale of illegal online gambling is evident. Operators of illicit sites persistently attempt to re-establish presence via alternative domain names or employ technical tactics to evade the blockades.
This latest order is part of a broader strategy that combines regulatory, technical, and legal measures. The overarching objective remains protecting consumers and ensuring that gaming activity happens strictly within a legal, transparent framework.
European counterparts take notice
Italy’s approach has drawn attention from regulatory observers elsewhere in Europe. In Germany, for instance, imminent assessments of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling include discussions on how best to manage illegal online casino operations—especially websites offering virtual slot machines.
By comparison, the Italian model, which uses widespread technical in-network blocking and official licensing requirements, is being considered by other jurisdictions as a possible benchmark.
Switzerland’s black list: a point of reference
Switzerland provides a useful comparison. Its Federal Gaming Commission (CFGD) maintains a regularly published blacklist of unauthorised online gambling offerings. The Swiss black list currently includes around 2,600 domains that have been technically blocked by telecommunications providers.
Although the number of blocked sites in Switzerland is lower, the clarity and transparency of the information offered to the public are often regarded as best practice.
Italy’s leadership and ongoing responsibilities
When compared to neighbouring countries, Italy’s high number of blocked sites signals both the magnitude of the illegal market and the complexity of countering it. The ADM remains at the forefront of efforts to prevent illicit gambling through laws, monitoring, and cooperation with connectivity providers.
The goal is to ensure that all gambling services accessed by Italian users are properly licensed, safe, and compliant with legal standards.
Towards a more regulated market
The decision to block a further 23 unlicensed gambling websites marks another significant step in Italy’s campaign against online gambling illegality. While the high number of blocked domains underscores the scale of the problem, the move also reaffirms the authorities’ commitment to enforcing a controlled and lawful gaming environment.
As debates unfold across Europe about regulation, compliance, and consumer protection, Italy’s experience presents both lessons and challenges. The nation continues to stand out for both the breadth of its blacklisting efforts and the rigour with which it seeks to uphold legal gaming standards.
This article was first published in Italian on 11 September 2025.
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