Key Moments:
- Authorities from multiple Lithuanian agencies have agreed to collaborate to bolster enforcement against unlicensed gambling websites.
- The Gambling Supervisory Authority has blacklisted nearly 2,000 gambling domains, but new unauthorized sites continue to surface rapidly.
- A regulation introduced on May 1 restricts card payments to only those gambling operators included on the regulator’s white list.
Joint Agency Response to the Unlicensed Gambling Challenge
State organizations in Lithuania, including the National Cybersecurity Centre, the Gambling Supervisory Authority, the Consumer Rights Protection Service, the Department of Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, and the Bank of Lithuania joined by external specialists from Debunk.org, have convened to address the growing concern over unlicensed online gambling. These agencies have pledged to strengthen their collaboration for enhanced enforcement.
Rise of Unauthorized Gambling Websites
Officials have indicated that the proliferation of unlicensed gambling platforms is outpacing the government’s current enforcement capabilities. The group discussed the urgent need for better coordination to more efficiently block unauthorized domains and halt their operations.
Regulatory Measures and Enforcement Actions
According to the Gambling Supervisory Authority, it now ranks as Lithuania’s third most active agency for website domain blocks, having added close to 2,000 gambling sites to its blacklist. Despite these efforts, the frequency with which new domains appear poses a significant challenge, as these sites quickly replace those that are blocked.
Currently, regulators can only direct internet service providers to block domains following a court order. In addition, they have the authority to instruct financial institutions to suspend payments associated with blacklisted operators. As of May 1, a new mandate restricts card payments to operators listed on the regulator’s white list.
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Website Blocks | Nearly 2,000 domains blacklisted |
| Payment Restrictions | Card payments limited to white-listed operators from May 1 |
| Blocking Process | Requires court order for domain blocking |
| Data Sharing | Regulator calls for more automated and faster data exchange mechanisms |
| Advertising Ban | Ban on gambling advertising effective since July 1 |
Seeking Enhanced Tools and Cooperation
The regulator has expressed the need for automated procedures and swifter data sharing protocols, alongside a push for clearer regulatory frameworks. The government has committed to support further interagency collaboration as authorities continue to look for more robust methods to undermine unlicensed gambling operators.
Impact of Advertising Ban on the Market
The topic has become increasingly pressing following the implementation of Lithuania’s ban on gambling advertising on July 1, which has limited the ability of licensed operators to attract customers through regulated channels.
- Author
Daniel Williams
