Key Moments:
- The Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority (LPT) has launched an investigation into Olympic Casino Group Baltija’s Olybet brand for suspected unauthorized promotions at a Fan Zone near Vilnius’ White Bridge.
- Changes to Lithuania’s Gambling Law enacted on July 1 prohibit outdoor gambling advertising, with Olybet-branded displays at the Fan Zone allegedly breaching these updated regulations.
- The LPT reported that previous guidance was not followed and has asked Vilnius Municipality to introduce corrective measures to address the situation.
Regulatory Focus on Olybet Branding
Olympic Casino Group Baltija, the operator of Olybet, is subject to an ongoing investigation by Lithuania’s Gambling Supervisory Authority (LPT). The inquiry centers on the use of Olybet trademarks in a Fan Zone by the White Bridge in Vilnius, set up for spectators of the European Basketball Championship games. The review highlights increasing regulatory attention on advertising compliance in the gambling sector within Lithuania.
Tighter Gambling Promotion Rules in Effect
On July 1, Lithuania introduced significant amendments to its Gambling Law, eliminating outdoor gambling advertising. Under the current legal requirements, operators are limited to displaying only their name or trademark at the sites offering gambling activities. These restrictions form part of a planned transition towards a full advertising ban, aimed at reducing gambling reach and mitigating possible adverse effects on society.
The law provides certain exceptions for public announcements if betting companies sponsor sports events or their broadcasts. However, according to the LPT, “A fan zone where you can watch matches is not considered a sports event or its broadcast,” which places any Olybet messaging at the Fan Zone in violation of the advertising ban.
Non-Compliance Despite Regulator Guidance
The LPT stated it previously contacted both Olympic Casino Group Baltija and Motiventti, the organizer of the White Bridge Fan Zone, prior to launching its investigation. The regulator provided guidance regarding new advertising rules, but remarked that these “were not taken into account.”
Despite municipal approval for the Fan Zone, concerns arose over gambling-related branding at a venue considered family-friendly and accessible to minors. Consequently, the LPT has requested that the Vilnius Municipality impose suitable corrective actions.
Ongoing Industry Engagement and Support
Lithuania’s gambling regulator has been preparing for stricter controls on gambling promotion for several months. Since March, the LPT has organized five meetings with industry representatives, delivered 45 individual consultations, and released a detailed FAQ via its website. Even following the adoption of the latest regulations in July, the authority has continued to support operators by issuing reminders and compliance recommendations upon identifying potential infractions.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Operator Investigated | Olympic Casino Group Baltija (Olybet) |
| Regulatory Body | Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority (LPT) |
| Location in Question | Fan Zone near White Bridge, Vilnius |
| Legal Change Enactment Date | July 1 |
| Event Focus | European Basketball Championship viewing |
- Author
Daniel Williams
