The Gaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania has intensified its regulatory oversight by issuing new enforcement directives that add another batch of unauthorized online gambling domains to its official blacklist.
Following thorough investigations into illegal operations targeting the domestic market, the regulator has formally instructed Lithuanian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement immediate Domain Name System (DNS) blocking against these non-compliant services. This latest regulatory action brings the total number of blocked domains on Lithuania’s official blacklist to 2,208.
Under statutory Lithuanian law, offering remote gambling services to residents without possessing a valid national license and operational permit constitutes illegal activity. Remote gambling operations are strictly regulated under the Gaming Law of the Republic of Lithuania (Law No. IX-325). To lawfully provide remote gaming services within the country, operators must meet rigorous statutory thresholds, including holding dual authorization (a game operation license and a remote gaming permit issued by the Control Authority).
Furthermore, operators must maintain a physical infrastructure footprint in Lithuania, such as operating at least one land-based casino, 10 machine halls, or 20 totalisator stations, alongside a minimum paid-up authorized capital of €1,158,000. Companies running remote services are also 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, with data processing servers required to reside within Lithuania or another EU/EEA member state.
Judicial oversight and technical enforcement mechanisms
When unauthorized remote gambling is detected within Lithuanian jurisdiction, the Control Authority is empowered under Article 20⁷ of the Gaming Law to enforce comprehensive blocking measures. These protocols encompass DNS and content blocking, mandating network service providers to restrict access to illegal domains, as well as financial transaction blocking, which directs credit institutions and payment processors to terminate payment processing and wager transfers linked to blacklisted entities.
Before binding directives are issued to ISPs or financial institutions, the Control Authority files formal applications with the Vilnius Regional Administrative Court for legal approval. Upon receiving court authorization, enforcement actions are executed immediately to safeguard consumers and uphold market integrity.
Compliance advisory for international operators
In light of the ongoing enforcement sweep, 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 holding a local license face severe regulatory sanctions, financial blocking orders, and immediate placement on the public List of Illegal Online Gambling Operators.
