Lithuania: anti-corruption body opposes online-only gambling licences

Lithuania’s Special Investigation Service has warned that online-only gambling licences would favour online operators over land-based operators.

Lithuania.- The Special Investigation Service, Lithuania’s national anti-corruption body, has warned that a new bill that proposes online-only gambling licences would create an uneven playing field in the sector. It argues that the bill would create a more favourable environment for online operators than for the land-based sector.

Bill 643, which was approved on its first reading at the Lithuanian legislature last month, would create specific online licences so that online operators would no longer need to partner with a land-based licensee.

However, there are also other differences between the licences. The proposed online-only licences would have an indefinite term, while land-based gaming licences last for five years. The approval process would also be simpler since only the Gambling Supervisory Authority’s approval would be needed. Land-based operators need approval from local authorities.

There are also differences in limits since lotteries may offer online instant win games without restrictions but land-based slots have a €0.50 maximum stake.

The Special Investigation Service said: “In our view, the project creates a more favourable environment with less administrative conditions for remote gambling operators than for other types of terrestrial gambling operators.”

It said the law needed fleshing out with more detail, including on the criteria to be used to grant online gambling licences and on the circumstances under which the regulator may suspend or revoke a licence. It also said the bill should incorporate more provisions on responsible gambling, arguing that online gambling could create more risk because of its availability.

The body also raised concerns about social gaming, which is not covered by the bill.

Last month, The Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority dealt a €10,814 fine to operator Unigames after a surprise inspection. It found that the operator’s combined betting function offered via a BetBuilder feature fell outside of the company’s rules.