The Gaming Supervisory Authority in Lithuania has announced plans to refine its gambling licensing and supervision processes. This initiative follows recommendations from the Special Investigation Service (STT) and aims to ensure systematic inspections of economic entities and objective decision-making.
Key Improvements
- Good Standing Verification: Procedures will be enhanced to promptly identify entities that fail to meet requirements.
- Risk Assessment Criteria: Updates will better reflect the actual risks associated with gambling operations.
The STT conducted an analysis of corruption risks within the gambling licensing and supervision framework, leading to these recommendations.
Virginijus Daukšys, Director of the Gaming Supervisory Authority (LPT), stated, “During the analysis, we closely cooperated with the STT. We have a common goal—to ensure transparent supervision of the gambling sector, based on objective criteria and equal conditions for all market participants. We will examine the recommendations provided and make decisions on their implementation.”
Remote Gambling and Legal Adjustments
The STT highlighted the rise in remote gambling during the COVID pandemic. Currently, remote gambling types are defined in secondary legislation rather than law, increasing the risk of subjective interpretation. The STT has proposed listing all types of remote gambling in the law, along with their definitions and characteristics.
Fines and Legal Regulation
The STT also noted that fines imposed between 2021 and 2024 for violations of the Gambling Law were disproportionately low compared to the revenues generated by gambling companies. Recommendations for improving legal regulations have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance.
These measures aim to strengthen Lithuania’s gambling sector, ensuring transparency and fairness for all participants.
