Lithuania Moves to Strengthen Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling Sites

The session brought together representatives from multiple agencies, including the Gaming Supervision Authority, to examine ways of removing and blocking unauthorized gambling websites and domains operating within the country.

The meeting was convened in line with a decision by a government working group established under a decree from the Prime Minister. Participants focused on strengthening the legal and technical tools available to regulators, particularly improvements to Article 98 of Lithuania’s Law on Electronic Communications. This provision governs mandatory instructions to remove unlawful online content or eliminate access to it, including mechanisms for blocking illegal domains.

Officials described the discussion as addressing “relevant supervisory issues,” emphasizing the need for more effective coordination between institutions responsible for cybersecurity, consumer protection, and market oversight. Alongside the Gaming Supervision Authority, attendees included representatives from the Office of the Government, the National Cyber Security Centre, the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority, and the Department of Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, among others.

Article 98 plays a central role in Lithuania’s enforcement framework, as it regulates how authorities can order internet service providers and other intermediaries to restrict access to prohibited content. Proposed initiatives aim to streamline domain-blocking procedures and close loopholes that allow illegal operators to quickly reappear under new web addresses.

The meeting comes amid heightened scrutiny of the gambling sector following recent enforcement actions. On 2 February, the Gaming Supervision Authority imposed a fine of €330,600 on online operator Baltic Bet for failing to maintain adequate monitoring processes to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements. Investigators found that the company had not properly collected or assessed information about its customers or the origins of funds used for gambling activities.

Lithuanian authorities say such measures are essential to protect consumers, prevent financial crime, and ensure that only licensed operators can legally offer gambling services in the country. Further policy updates and enforcement steps are expected as regulators continue to tighten oversight of the rapidly evolving online gambling market.