Lithuanian gambling regulator warns unlicensed igaming operators

The Lituanianan gambling regulator has threatened to block unlicensed igaming sites.

Lithuania.- The Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority has warned that it will block unlicensed operators’ sites if they continue to offer igaming in the country.

Following the introduction of legislation in 2016 to regulate online gambling in Lithuania, operators must hold a licence to legally offer gaming and companies that operate without approval are treated as illegal operators.

The Gambling Supervisory Authority has legal powers to take action against unlicensed operators, including adding them to its blacklist of illegal operators and blocking access to their websites.

Once an operator is added to the blacklist, it can only be removed if it obtains a licence to offer online gambling.

The Lithuanian gambling regulator issued its first fine against a licensed igaming operator in March for imposing betting limits on a customer. UAB Tete-a-Tete Casino, which operates the CBet brand, was ordered to pay €15,000.

It also recently fined an individual employee at a digital media business for placing gambling adverts that breached the Gambling Act’s rules.

The regulator said in a statement: “The supervisory authority strongly recommends all online gambling operators review all their activities related to remote gambling in Lithuania and take actions to ensure that such services are not available for Lithuanian customers.

“After having identified the fact of illegal remote gambling activity in the Republic of Lithuania, the Control Authority is authorised to take measures established in the Gaming Law.”