The Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority has once again found Top Sport, a prominent betting operator, in breach of mobile betting laws. This recent infraction has resulted in a fine of €15,000 (£12,913/$16,017), placing the operator under the Authority’s scrutiny.
App-Based Missteps
The issue at hand involves automatic bets placed by Top Sport’s betting app, which the Authority declares violates Lithuanian gambling regulations. Specifically, the app would autonomously repeat a bet on a live roulette table, whenever a player’s phone was locked.
Upon closer inspection, the Authority flagged this action as a violation of Article 16, Parts 4 and 5 of the Law on Gambling in Lithuania. According to these stipulations, all gaming devices must conform to the Authority’s pre-established standards. Further, they should possess a certificate from accredited institutions, affirming their adherence to legal requirements.
Top Sport was handed a stern warning, alongside the fine: any further breaches or failure to correct the current issue could result in the suspension of its Lithuanian license. The operator has until July 1 to align with the regulations.
Prior Transgressions
This isn’t the first regulatory hurdle for Top Sport. Earlier this week, the company incurred a €25,000 penalty for permitting underage individuals access to one of its slot salons. The Authority discovered that three individuals, including at least one minor, were able to remain in the facility for an extended period, with no efforts from Top Sport to rectify the situation.
Implications for the iGaming Industry
This recent case involving Top Sport serves as a stark reminder of the wider implications for the iGaming industry:
- The strict enforcement of rules by regulatory bodies underscores the importance of rigorous compliance for betting operators.
- Such instances heighten the need for robust age verification systems, highlighting the potential penalties for non-compliance.
- The case serves as a precedent for other jurisdictions, potentially influencing the scrutiny level of mobile betting apps and the iGaming technology they employ.
