EEGaming

Lithuania Gaming Control Authority Expands Online Gambling Blacklist Beyond 2,200 Domains

The Gaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania (Control Authority) has issued new enforcement directives, adding a new batch of unlicensed online gambling domains to its official blacklist. The regulator has formally requested Lithuanian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement Domain Name System (DNS) blocking against these non-compliant services following investigations into unauthorized operations within the country.

Under Lithuanian law, offering remote gambling services without a valid national license and operational permit constitutes illegal activity. The latest update brings the total number of blocked domains on the official blacklist to 2,208.

Regulatory Framework: Lithuania’s Gaming Law

Online gambling operations in Lithuania are regulated under the Gaming Law of the Republic of Lithuania (Law No. IX-325). According to the statutory provisions, any entity offering remote gambling to residents without obtaining specific authorizations is designated an illegal operator.

Key Licensing & Capital Requirements

To lawfully offer remote gambling services within the Republic of Lithuania, operators must satisfy strict statutory thresholds:

  • Dual Authorization: Operators must hold both a valid license to operate games and a specific permit for remote gaming issued by the Control Authority.

  • Physical Infrastructure & Capital: Remote gambling operators must maintain a physical footprint in Lithuania—such as operating at least one casino, 10 machine halls, or 20 totalisator stations—and maintain a minimum paid-up authorized capital of €1,158,000.

  • Reserve Capital for Payouts: Operators running remote gambling services are legally mandated to maintain a dedicated reserve fund of at least €72,400 held in bank accounts or Government securities exclusively earmarked for winning payouts.

  • Location of Infrastructure: Remote gaming servers and data processing systems receiving player communication must be physically installed within Lithuania or another EU/EEA Member State.

Technical Enforcement & Judicial Oversight

When unauthorized remote gambling activity is detected within Lithuanian jurisdiction, the Control Authority is empowered under Article 20⁷ of the Gaming Law to enforce blocking measures:

  1. DNS & Content Blocking: Mandating network service providers and hosting hosts to block access to illegal gambling domains and take down prohibited content.

  2. Financial Transaction Blocking: Directing credit institutions, payment processors, and financial entities to block or terminate payment processing and wager transfers linked to blacklisted operators.

Before issuing binding directives to ISPs or financial institutions, the Control Authority files applications with the Vilnius Regional Administrative Court for legal approval. Upon court authorization, enforcement actions are executed immediately.

Compliance Advisory for International Operators

The Control Authority strongly advises all international remote gambling operators and service providers to audit their target markets, geo-blocking controls, and player acquisition channels. Operators offering services accessible to Lithuanian consumers without a local license risk regulatory sanctions, financial blocking orders, and placement on the public List of Illegal Online Gambling Operators.