7bet fined in Lithuania over gambling promotions

An investigation from the Commission found that on 13 October and 4 November in 2021, and also 4 February this year, Amber Gaming published content on its website that the regulator said encouraged consumers to gamble. 

The Commission highlighted a number of statements that could be seen as promotional and content intended to draw players to gambling with the operator’s 7bet brand.

These statements included “Online casino: free spins and casino bonus” and “For those who want a greater sense of excitement, 7bet offers live real-time casino games. It gives you even more chances to win”.

Ruling on the case, the Commission said the published information was “aimed at drawing attention to the company, its offer, persuading and encouraging persons to participate in the company’s games”.

This, the regulator said, was considered to encourage participation in games and therefore breached Article 10 (19) of the country’s Act.

It was established that the published information was aimed at drawing attention to the company, its offer, persuading and encouraging persons to participate in the company’s games, therefore the company violated the requirements of Article 10 (19).

Amber Gaming was also warned that similar breaches or failure to remove any promotional content could result in the operator having its licence in the country suspended.

The operator does have the option to appeal the decision. 

Lithuania’s ban on gambling promotion came into on 1 July 2021, on the 20th anniversary of the Lithuanian Gambling Commission’s formation.

First announced in May last year after a vote in the country’s parliament, the ban covers “promotion of gambling in any form and by any means, dissemination of information or persuasion”.

While gambling advertising is still permitted, promotional methods such as special events, test games, discounts, gifts, bonuses or anything that incentivises gambling in any way are prohibited.

Any information related to gaming on websites targeting those under the age of 18 won’t be allowed to be published.