Lithuania blacklists blocked online gambling websites

The Gaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania has announced that it has blocked further online gambling websites that do not adhere to new regulations introduced in the country earlier this year.

In January, the Lithuanian regulator pledged to take “strict legal action” against operators that organise remote gambling illegally.

The Gaming Control Authority has followed up on this by blocking a number of companies that have been operating in the country illegally, with the regulator naming such firms in a list on its website.

In a statement, the Gaming Control Authority said that in addition to blocking the illegal operators, it intends to take further action against such companies.

Brands that feature on the list include Betway, Unibet, William Hill, PokerStars, Marathonbet and 188bet.

The regulator has also published a list of operators that have been licensed to offer services in the country.

Virginijus Dauksys, director of the Gaming Control Authority, said: “It is surprising that certain world-wide known companies, reluctant to legalise their activity, are blatantly violating the laws of the Republic of Lithuania.

“Changing of the internet domain name in order to avoid the legal measures and to operate illegally in Lithuania can be treated as smuggling activity.

“The Gaming Control Authority will continue by all means available to ensure the protection of Lithuanian gambling market from illegal offers and protection of customers of the Republic of Lithuania from uncontrolled gambling flows to prevent compulsive and minors gambling.”

Related article: Lithuania unveils amendments to remote gambling regulations