Lithuania boosts efforts to curb illegal gambling sites

Lithuania has recently escalated its efforts to address a significant rise in illegal remote gambling activities and fraudulent online domains. In response to growing concerns regarding consumer harm, digital financial crime and the increasing sophistication of online scams, senior government institutions have convened to seek stronger, faster and more coordinated measures. The aim is to ensure that Lithuania’s regulatory framework remains resilient, effective and adaptable to rising digital threats.

The developments arise during a period in which European states are paying heightened attention to unlawful online gambling operators that often target consumers through misleading advertisements, social media channels and rapidly shifting web domains. Lithuanian authorities have repeatedly cautioned that criminal actors exploiting digital channels pose risks to consumer safety, financial integrity and national cybersecurity. Throughout the discussions, officials emphasised that the country’s approach must balance innovation, legal certainty and public protection while ensuring that interventions remain proportionate and aligned with established law.

High-level meeting at the Government Chancellery

On 20 November, a cross-institutional meeting was held at the Government Chancellery to address the latest developments surrounding fraudulent online domains and the broader risks associated with digital financial crime. The session formed part of a broader work programme initiated under a decree issued by the Prime Minister and was designed to improve interagency coordination.

The meeting brought together a wide range of state bodies with responsibilities across cybersecurity, financial regulation, consumer protection and market supervision. Entities that took part included the Government Chancellery, the National Cybersecurity Centre, the State Consumer Rights Protection Service, the Department of Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control and the Bank of Lithuania.

Also participating was Debunk.org, a recognised technology-analysis organisation known for its investigative work in detecting fraudulent websites and online misinformation. Debunk.org has long been regarded as a reliable whistleblower entity, contributing insights that assist public institutions in identifying emerging digital threats.

The Gambling Supervisory Authority was one of the central contributors to the meeting, providing a detailed overview of the challenges surrounding illegal remote gambling. Its input highlighted the rapid growth in unauthorised gambling websites and the difficulty in combating operators that frequently change domains or use sophisticated techniques to evade regulatory detection.

Rising concerns over illegal gambling domains

During the session, the Gambling Supervisory Authority reported a substantial rise in unlicensed online gambling platforms targeting Lithuanian users. According to the regulator, it is currently the third most active government institution in Lithuania when it comes to issuing domain restrictions. At present, nearly 2,000 illegal gambling websites have been formally listed, with the register continuously updated on the authority’s official website.

The regulator explained that many illegal operators use tactics designed to circumvent controls, including mirror domains, anonymised hosting services and aggressive social media marketing. As a result, authorities often find themselves engaged in a continuous process of monitoring, blocking and reassessing high-risk domains. While current procedures allow for the blocking of unauthorised gambling domains, authorities noted that regulatory action must evolve to match the pace of technological advancement.

Existing legal procedures for blocking illegal domains

Under established legal procedures, once the Gambling Supervisory Authority identifies unlicensed remote gambling activity, it may apply to the court to obtain an order authorising the restriction of the relevant domain. Following the court’s authorisation, internet service providers must take appropriate steps to block access to the unlawful website for Lithuanian users.

In addition to domain blocking, financial institutions may be instructed to prohibit settlement activities connected to illegal operators. This prevents payments from being processed through Lithuanian banks and other regulated financial service providers.

Officials also noted that from 1 May 2025, new restrictions will take effect regarding gambling-related financial transactions. Under the updated framework, card-initiated gambling payments will be allowed only when the transaction is made with an operator included on the national “White List”. This list is reserved for licensed and compliant gambling operators and is intended to provide consumers with greater assurance regarding the legitimacy and safety of the services they access.

Financial fraud concerns across Europe

Participants at the meeting emphasised that the rise in illegal remote gambling forms part of a broader increase in online financial fraud across Europe. It was noted that losses associated with digital scams are estimated to exceed €4 billion annually. The growing scale of these crimes has prompted governments, regulators and law enforcement agencies to re-evaluate their strategies for detecting and responding to fraudulent behaviour.

Representatives also referenced data indicating that more than half of reported fraud cases can be linked to activities on major social platforms operated by Meta, including Facebook and Instagram. These platforms are commonly used by fraudsters to promote illegal gambling services or lure individuals into financial scams under false pretences. Lithuanian officials expressed the need for closer cooperation between regulators and technology companies to ensure earlier detection of harmful content and faster intervention where necessary.

Call for quicker and more coordinated institutional action

One of the central conclusions of the meeting was that more effective prevention requires institutions to coordinate more rapidly and to make greater use of automated tools capable of identifying emerging threats. Participants stated that traditional manual procedures are often too slow to keep up with fast-moving fraudulent activity.

The meeting highlighted several priority areas for improvement:

Enhancing data-sharing between public authorities

Agencies agreed that timely exchange of intelligence and technical data is essential to track harmful domains, social media advertisements and cross-border financial flows associated with illegal gambling and scams.

Incorporating automation and advanced monitoring tools

Authorities acknowledged the need for stronger investment in technology capable of detecting suspicious websites and transactions. Automated systems can identify domain changes and high-risk activity patterns more effectively than manual observation.

Strengthening legal and regulatory mechanisms

Participants proposed reviewing and refining regulatory frameworks to ensure the state has the legal authority necessary to intervene quickly. This includes clarifying procedures for blocking domains, requiring cooperation from private technology platforms and ensuring that consumer protection regulations remain aligned with current risks.

Sustaining long-term cooperation between agencies

Interagency collaboration was seen as essential to maintaining a unified response to fraud and unlicensed gambling. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued joint efforts and the development of coordinated strategies.

Legislative developments targeting gambling advertising

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of significant recent reforms in Lithuania’s gambling sector. In November 2024, the Lithuanian Parliament passed legislation prohibiting most forms of gambling advertising beginning in July 2025. The new restrictions aim to reduce consumer exposure to gambling promotions and to reinforce the country’s broader efforts to address gambling-related harm.

The advertising ban forms part of a more comprehensive framework of reforms targeting unlicensed gambling, irresponsible promotional practices and vulnerabilities in consumer protection. The legislative shift indicates Lithuania’s determination to limit the influence of gambling marketing while focusing regulatory attention on illegal operators and harmful digital environments.

The broader context of Lithuania's regulatory strategy

Lithuania has taken several steps in recent years to strengthen oversight of digital markets and financial transactions. The country’s authorities have emphasised transparency, technological adaptation and cross-border cooperation as essential pillars of its approach. The growing use of digital services has created opportunities for innovation but also introduced systemic risks that require consistent and well-structured regulatory responses.

The latest interinstitutional meeting reflects a broader trend of integrating expertise from cybersecurity specialists, financial regulators, consumer agencies and private analytical organisations. Through this cooperation, Lithuania aims to enhance its ability to detect unlawful activity, mitigate risks and protect citizens from evolving forms of digital deception.

Conclusion

The cross-institutional meeting held on 20 November underscores Lithuania’s continued commitment to combating illegal remote gambling and fraudulent online activity. By bringing multiple authorities together, the government aims to strengthen coordination, adopt advanced technologies and ensure faster regulatory intervention.

With nearly 2,000 illegal gambling websites already listed and new legislative measures taking effect in 2025, the state is making significant efforts to enhance public protection. As digital threats continue to evolve, Lithuania’s strategy highlights the importance of cohesive public policy, informed oversight and proactive legal frameworks.

FAQs

What prompted Lithuania to convene the interagency meeting?
Lithuania convened the meeting to address a rise in illegal remote gambling and digital financial fraud, which authorities identified as a growing threat to consumers and national cybersecurity.

Which institutions participated in the meeting?
Participants included the Government Chancellery, the National Cybersecurity Centre, the State Consumer Rights Protection Service, the Department of Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, the Bank of Lithuania and the Gambling Supervisory Authority, along with Debunk.org.

How many illegal gambling domains are currently listed in Lithuania?
The Gambling Supervisory Authority has listed nearly 2,000 illegal gambling domains, with the register updated regularly.

What is the process for blocking illegal gambling websites?
Once an illegal gambling website is identified, the Gambling Supervisory Authority may seek a court order, after which internet service providers must block access to the domain.

Are financial institutions involved in restricting illegal gambling?
Yes, financial institutions may be ordered to block settlement activities connected to unlicensed operators to prevent payments from being processed.

What changes will take effect on 1 May 2025?
From that date, card-initiated gambling transactions will be permitted only with operators listed on the national “White List”, ensuring financial dealings occur only with licensed entities.

Why is there concern about fraud on social media platforms?
More than half of reported fraud cases in Europe are linked to activity on social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, making them key channels for illegal promotions and scams.

What measures were discussed to improve fraud prevention?
Authorities discussed quicker institutional coordination, increased automation, enhanced regulatory clarity and sustained cooperation between agencies.

How does the 2024 advertising ban fit into Lithuania’s strategy?
The advertising ban, effective from July 2025, is part of broader reforms aimed at reducing consumer exposure to gambling and restricting unlicensed operators.

What is the long-term objective of Lithuania’s efforts?
The overarching goal is to strengthen consumer protection, disrupt illegal online activity and ensure that regulatory frameworks remain effective against evolving digital threats.