Moldova orders ISPs to block newly listed gambling sites

Moldova’s ARCOM has instructed public electronic communications providers to block newly listed prohibited gambling websites, platforms and applications.

The notice was published on 29 July 2026 and dated 3 August 2026. It follows the Public Services Agency’s addition of sources to Moldova’s prohibited list under Law no. 291 of 16 December 2016 on the organisation and conduct of gambling.

ARCOM said the instruction rests on article 501 of Law no. 291/2016 and ANRCETI Administrative Council Decision no. 1 of 21 January 2021, which provides for blocking web pages used to access gambling that has not been authorised under the applicable rules.

Providers must immediately block users in Moldova from accessing the listed sources.

The obligation applies to publicly accessible electronic communications service providers, which are responsible for implementing the access restriction. The notice does not specify a separate transition period, technical method, reporting channel or provider-by-provider implementation timetable.

The measure addresses network access rather than the licensing status or conduct of gambling operators. It does not direct operators, licensees or end users to make a filing, obtain a new authorisation or change an existing licence. The affected end users are those attempting to reach the newly listed websites, platforms and applications from Moldova.

ARCOM’s wording frames the measure as implementation of an existing legal and administrative framework. The notice does not announce a new licensing policy, amend Moldova’s gambling-market structure or set out additional requirements for authorised gambling businesses.

For communications providers, the immediate task is to identify the sources covered by the completed list and apply the required blocking measures. The notice does not name the individual websites, platforms or applications in the published text, so providers will need to work from the applicable updated prohibited-source list.

The Public Services Agency’s addition of the sources is the trigger for ARCOM’s instruction. ARCOM has not set out a further publication date. Its page records the latest update as 29 July 2026, while the instruction itself is dated 3 August 2026.

The next useful supervisory document will be any ARCOM update identifying the listed sources or confirming implementation requirements for affected communications providers.