Gambling watchdog inspects OlyBet

(PRESS RELEASE) -- On 9 September, the Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority began an inspection of the company Olympic Casino Group Baltija due to unauthorized gambling advertising - OlyBet trademarks displayed in the Fan Zone near the White Bridge in Vilnius.

Since 1 July of this year, stricter requirements for gambling advertising have come into force in the Gambling Law. Outdoor advertising by gambling organizers is prohibited. It is permitted to advertise only the name and/or trademark on the gambling organizer's premises or the building where gambling is organized.

The aim of these amendments is to reduce the accessibility, attractiveness and harm caused by gambling to society. This is a transitional period before a complete ban on gambling advertising comes into effect.

The law allows for public announcements when betting organizers sponsor sports events or their broadcasts. A fan zone where you can watch the European Basketball Championship matches is not considered a sports event or its broadcast. Therefore, Olybet signs displayed at the location of such an event are prohibited advertising. Before starting the inspection, the LPT provided consultations to the gambling company Olympic Casino Group Baltija and the company Motiventti, which organized the event at the White Bridge. These consultations were not taken into account.

The Fan Zone event has been granted the status of an event under the patronage of the City of Vilnius, and the municipality has granted permission to organize it. LPT also informed Vilnius Municipality that the event, which can be attended by families and minors, is heavily advertised with prohibited gambling advertising, and urged it to take action. LPT has consistently provided consultations on the upcoming restrictions on gambling advertising. Since March, 5 meetings have been held with market participants and other interested parties. In addition, 45 individual consultations have been provided. Systematized information and answers to frequently asked questions have also been published on the LPT website.

In July, after the changes had already entered into force, the LPT continued consultations on the application of these changes in practice. When potential violations were noted, reminders were sent and suggestions were made to provide more information on how to adapt to the changes.