Lithuanian authorities meet to address rise illegal remote gambling activity

Officials Warn of Fast-Moving Illegal Sites

Lithuanian authorities met in Vilnius on 20 November to discuss the sharp rise in illegal online casinos. The group said these sites change often and may trick users with logos that look similar to legal operators. 

Several agencies joined the meeting, including the National Cybersecurity Centre, the State Consumer Rights Protection Service, the Department of Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, the Bank of Lithuania and analysts from Debunk.org. 

The Gambling Supervisory Authority said it is now the third most active body in Lithuania for domain restrictions. It tracks almost 2,000 illegal websites, and the number grows each month. New domains appear fast — and many shift servers soon after detection.

Current Rules Slow Down Quick Blocks

Under existing rules, the regulator must confirm unlicensed activity and then follow a court process. Only after that may it ask internet providers to block the domain. Banks may also receive orders to stop settlement activity with the operator — a step that cuts money links to the illegal site.

Officials said this process works but may move too slowly for today’s fraud schemes. Illegal operators switch domains often, and some appear linked to wider cross-border networks that target users through fake ads and social posts.

Europe Faces Rising Online Fraud

The meeting noted that online fraud across Europe may now exceed €4bn each year. Many cases appear tied to Meta-owned channels such as Facebook and Instagram — where false ads may lead users to risky offers. Main concerns raised included:

• Quick domain recycling

• Hard-to-trace foreign operators

• Slow coordination between agencies

• Low public awareness about online risks

New Measures Take Shape

From 1 May 2025, card-initiated gambling payments will be allowed only with operators on Lithuania’s White List — a move meant to limit illegal casinos and guide users toward licensed options.

Lawmakers also approved a ban on most gambling advertising starting July 2025. Officials said this step — combined with tighter oversight — may reduce exposure to promotions that look safe but lead to illegal sites.

A Push Toward Quicker Prevention

The meeting ended with a common message. Agencies need faster tools and better coordination to slow the rise of illegal remote gambling. 

More joint work is planned, and officials believe the coming months will show whether these new steps — taken together — can curb illegal remote gambling and protect users from growing online risks.