The Gambling Supervision Authority has imposed a €341,049 fine on UAB Tete‑a‑tete Casino following an inspection that found the operator failed to verify the origin of a client’s funds and later conducted the verification improperly.
Under the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, gambling operators are required to monitor customer behavior, ensure that wagered amounts align with known customer information, and confirm that the sources of funds are legitimate. Ongoing monitoring of customer business relationships is a key safeguard against money laundering and terrorist financing.
According to the Authority, UAB Tete‑a‑tete Casino did not verify a client’s source of funds for an extended period despite being obligated to do so. The operator eventually requested documentation for income earned between 2021 and 2023. However, the client had not deposited new funds in 2023 and was gambling with previously deposited balances, resulting in no new income information being provided. The company subsequently terminated the client’s remote gambling contract, citing failure to explain the source of funds.
The client filed a complaint, and the Gambling Supervision Service determined that the contract termination lacked sufficient justification. A separate fine was issued for this violation.
An unscheduled inspection further revealed that the operator failed to maintain continuous monitoring of the client’s business relationship and lacked a legal basis for terminating the contract. Two violations of the Law were confirmed.
Failure to monitor a client’s business relationship is classified as a serious breach, carrying a maximum possible fine of up to €1.1 million. The Authority ultimately imposed a total penalty of €341,049 on UAB Tete‑a‑tete Casino.
The Supervisory Authority conducts annual training for gambling and lottery operators to strengthen compliance with anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorist‑financing requirements. It also issues mandatory guidelines and provides both individual and general consultations to support proper implementation of the Law.
Decisions issued by the Supervisory Authority may be appealed in accordance with the Law on Administrative Procedure of the Republic of Lithuania.
