All Forms of Gambling Advertising Banned in Lithuania

The Parliament of Lithuania has enforced the complete ban of all gambling advertising and promotions on May 20th, as 105 votes were enough to change the country’s legislation of this matter.

From July 1st, operators in Eastern European country will not be permitted to create promotional campaigns, distribute gambling chips or offer discounts, gifts and other types of promotion as a result of this amendment.

People’s Wish

This governmental measure is the way of helping combat the problem gambling in Lithuania. This decision has been made after Gambling Supervisory Authority in November conducted a national survey which revealed that Lithuanian public is generally against gambling advertising.

76% of 1001 people who took part in a survey said that gambling advertising must be kept to a minimum, 52% of them it should be completely banned while 22% were in favor of only banning lottery advertising.

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

Operators Did Not Listen

Virginijus Dauksys, director of Gaming Control Authority, has said before the ban that the pandemic had affected the gambling market in a very severe way.

The Authority has got a large number of complaints about gambling providers who do not adhere to the promise of not advertising gambling during the COVID-19 crisis.

Lithuanian Gambling operators were generally told to halt all advertising during the country’s April lockdown. Many have ignored this recommendation, and in fact, according to reports, some have increased gambling advertising.

National Gambling and Gaming Business Association representative, Mantas Zakarka, said that this ban on all gambling advertising activities will in adversely impact the Lithuania’s gambling market and will repel new operators from entering the country.

Nolimit City Boosts Lithuanian Presence

Provider of slots games, Nolimit City, has expanded its market presence in Lithuania by signing a deal with Uniclub Casino to deliver their games to this operator.

Uniclub is famous for their portfolio rich with features, live casino and regular promotions.

In January, it has been reported that young people in Lithuania increasingly opt out of self-exclusion service while women’s problem gambling cases rise.

Source:

“Lithuania bans gambling promotion and advertising”, gamblinginsider.com, May 21st 2021