Moldova targets illegal online gambling platforms

Moldovan authorities are implementing new measures to combat the rise of unauthorized online gambling platforms. The Public Services Agency (ASP) has warned citizens about the risks to personal data and finances when using unregulated sites, which often operate outside state control.

Blocking these illegal platforms remains a challenge as operators frequently create mirror sites to bypass restrictions, and users often employ VPNs or alternative DNS settings. To address this, the Ministry of Finance, led by Victoria Belous, is discussing a mechanism with the ASP and industry operators to accelerate the blocking of illegal websites. This initiative aims to prevent players from migrating to unregulated platforms following a proposed 6% tax on gambling services.

The ASP monitors the online space in collaboration with the National Lottery and licensed operators. Once unauthorized sites are identified, the agency notifies the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications (ARCOM) for technical blocking and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for investigation. Additionally, the Cyber Security Agency shares identifiers of illegal platforms with banks and payment providers daily to block related transactions.