Lithuanian court finds gambling "dangerous to society"

[The Buzz]

You may remember back in May, the Lithuanian parliament passed a new amendment to the country’s gambling laws that prohibits the "promotion of gambling," after the Lithuania Gaming Control Authority told MPs it received a spike in gambling related complaints during the COVID-19 lockdown.

This week, Lithuania's Supreme Court joined in on the fun, ruling in favor of a defendant in a case about poker training, finding the training program to be a form of gambling promotion, which it said is not in the public interest as gambling is “dangerous to society.”

From iGaming Business:

The defendant in question had signed a contract with the plaintiff whereby the latter would teach them how to play poker, financing any games played in the process.The agreement stated that any profits would be shared, but losses should be repaid to the plaintiff should the defendant lose any games.

After the defendant lost a game, the plaintiff demanded repayment. However the Supreme Court ruled in the defendant’s favour.

A statement from the Supreme Court said:

“After examining the case, the Supreme Court of Lithuania pointed out that a clear legal policy regarding gambling is being formed in Lithuania – such activities are not encouraged and considered dangerous to society, therefore gambling is restricted and controlled by various legal acts.

“The Supreme Court of Lithuania, finding that the agreement promoted gambling and that the plaintiffs sought to involve the defendant in gambling, declared the agreement contrary to public policy (ie the public interest), and dismissed the action.”

Read more here: https://igamingbusiness.com/lithuani...us-to-society/

[ocreditor]

That's a little extreme statement...

[Cash Bonus]

That's one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

[Mark Karsten]

It would be very unfortunate if some of the EU countries were to follow a scenario close to this. A precedent after which there will be restrictions or a total ban on gambling in the country.

[PaulP]

Well, that´s definitely an interesting approach. I guess gambling can be seen as a scapegoat for various issues in society..

[CasinoVIPOffers]

It's only dangerous if you are using it for the wrong reasons.

[CatalinAMG]

Well, that´s definitely an interesting approach. I guess gambling can be seen as a scapegoat for various issues in society..

If we talk about illegal forms of gambling, then yes, it is very dangerous for the society.

[mickyfu]

I always find it amazing that these countries still sell alcohol, tobacco and junk food.

I'd take a wild guess that gambling is pretty low down compared to these major issues in society.

And then, let's not bring in the serious impact, alcohol, smoking and junk food has on covid.

[ocreditor]

I always find it amazing that these countries still sell alcohol, tobacco and junk food.

I'd take a wild guess that gambling is pretty low down compared to these major issues in society.

And then, let's not bring in the serious impact, alcohol, smoking and junk food has on covid.

Well there is "freedom" to choose how to live your life but it's limited to what governments decide... I also think gambling should be allowed like alcohol & smoking but regulated and audited, people have the right to choose how to live their life as long as they are not hurting anyone

[Spyrith]

I hope this doesn't go on an EU wide level. Gambling, when properly regulated, can both protect the people who are inclined to gambling addictions while also lining up state coffers with tax money.

I think we just need to come to terms that some people have self-destructive tendencies and preventing them from gambling will just channel their efforts into something else.

In this case though, the guy who taught the other how to play poker had some bizzare contractual clauses. I mean, did he really imagine he wouldn't lose anything and it would be a win-win regarldess if the student learned how to play poker or not?

[Pokerface]

Definitely a strong/harsh statement considering this relates to "promotion of" and not the actual act of gambling.