Lithuanian parliament bans all forms of gambling promotion

[The Buzz]

Last week, 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.

Under the amendment, gambling operators will not be able to organize promotional campaigns, distribute gambling chips, offer gifts or discounts, or hold other promotions. The amendment targets both land-based and online gambling markets throughout the country.

From Lithuania Radio & TV:

“It is a type of activity that costs too much for some people in terms of health and not just money,” Aurelijus Veryga of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union told MPs.

Virginijus Daukšys, the director of the Gaming Control Authority, earlier said that the coronavirus crisis had further exacerbated the situation in the gaming market. The authority received many complaints about gambling operators failing to fulfil their obligations and not delivering on their promises made while inviting people to gamble, he added.

Meanwhile, Mantas Zakarka, a representative of Lithuania’s National Gambling and Gaming Business Association, warned that such a ban would prevent new operators from entering the market and would be an incentive for shadow businesses.

Read more here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-englis...%20abstentions.

[ocreditor]

Lithuania is joining Belgium & Spain with this new policy, I guess we'll see more countries following this trend in the future.

[Andyku]

What is the impact of this new regulation on affiliates sites? Can they continue send traffic to the operators in Lithuania?

[DavidColdman]

As far as I know, the Baltic countries have different laws on bans of gambling promotion. I was interested to consider the example of Estonia and I found the following information:
Estonia partially bans gambling ads. The advertising should not contain any invitation to participate in gambling or visit gambling establishments. The advertising should not contain guarantees and promises to improve the social status and financial position of the industry clients. The advertising of gambling in Estonia (except for toto, lotteries, sweepstakes, betting and games of skill) is prohibited. However, the legislator sets exceptions to this rule. Thus, the advertising is allowed in the following cases / institutions:

● The advertising is allowed in gambling establishments (including those gambling establishments, which are located in hotels);

● The advertising is allowed aboard the cruise liners and airplanes flying on international flights;

● In international airports in Estonia;

● In ports;

● On the websites of gambling operators;

● By subscription from gambling operators via email, mail and phone.

It is important to note: the advertising of toto in Estonia is prohibited in educational buildings, campuses, on the Internet, on posters aimed at children, on television and radio, and on the printed correspondence.

[ocreditor]

What is the impact of this new regulation on affiliates sites? Can they continue send traffic to the operators in Lithuania?

For my understanding you can still send traffic but you can't present bonuses to the player, you can use reviews & guides etc but no welcome offers or free spins or other bonus money promotions, also because the operators themselves can't do it so naturally the affiliate as well