The Lithuanian government has intensified its efforts against online gambling fraud, bringing together several state institutions to address regulatory gaps that illegal gambling operators have exploited for years. On November 20, representatives from more than a dozen government agencies examined how fake internet domains are often used to lure residents into unlicensed gambling and other fraudulent schemes.
Black Market Operators Remain Elusive
The meeting was part of a broader initiative, with the wide range of participants reflecting the growing complexity of the problem. The Gambling Supervision Service (GSS) joined forces with the National Cybersecurity Centre, the Bank of Lithuania, the National Police Department, the State Tax Inspectorate, consumer protection bodies, media regulators, and the fact-checking organisation Debunk.org, which has acquired a reputation as one of the country’s most experienced digital watchdogs.
During the session, the GSS examined the scale of illegal online gambling and the barriers that regulators encounter in their attempt to catch up with operators who swiftly shift domains. According to the authority, the national blacklist includes almost 2,000 gambling domains, making it the third-largest domain-blocking authority in Lithuania.
The GSS adds new entries to the list almost weekly, with each new entry requiring technical, legal, and administrative work to finalize. Once authorities verify that a site is facilitating illegal remote gambling, the regulator seeks a judicial order compelling internet service providers to block the domain. Banks and other payment processors are also prohibited from processing any transactions between Lithuanian users and banned gaming platforms.
Online Fraud Is a Significant Concern
The meeting also focused heavily on combating digital fraud, which costs Europe more than EUR 4 billion ($4.61 billion) per year. Officials stressed that social media frequently plays a crucial role in these schemes, as internal statistics indicate that more than 50% of fraud attempts occur through Meta-owned platforms. Participants agreed that increased automation and updated legislation are necessary to keep pace with rapidly evolving tactics.
Lithuania’s fight against gambling fraud aligns with the ongoing transformation of its gambling policy. The government recently took a decisive step toward a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising, set to be finalized in 2028. During the transition period, gambling operators must follow strict marketing conditions. Officials hope that this measure will reduce public exposure to gambling while giving companies time to adjust.
The combination of strict measures against illicit domains, along with the gradual curtailing of advertising, points to a clear direction for Lithuania’s gambling regulation. The nation seeks to usher in a gambling market with strict oversight, frequent collaboration between different agencies, and more frequent crackdowns against online fraud and illegal gambling operators.