Top Sport, a prominent operator in Lithuania’s gambling industry, has recently incurred a second fine from the Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority due to breaches related to mobile betting regulations.
Top Sport’s Penalties and Regulatory Breaches:
On 6 May 2023, the Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority imposed a fine of €25,000 on Top Sport, highlighting two major breaches. Firstly, the company had allowed underage individuals to access the slot machine area, thereby violating the essential regulations in place to prevent underage gambling. Additionally, Top Sport failed to display warning signs regarding addiction on its machines, disregarding its responsibility to encourage responsible gambling practices.
Further Violations and Consequences:
During a subsequent inspection conducted on 6 June 2023, Top Sport was found to be in violation of specific provisions outlined in Article 16, Parts 4 and 5 of the Lithuanian Law on Gambling. As part of their mobile betting platform, the Top Sports app, when used on an Android phone, automatically repeated bets on live roulette table games after the phone was locked. This discovery raises concerns regarding fair play and the overall user experience.
Legal Requirements and Compliance:
Paragraph 4 of Article 16 in the Lithuanian Law on Gambling stipulates that all gaming devices must adhere to the requirements set forth by the law and approved by the Supervisory Service. This underscores the significance of complying with regulatory standards and implementing measures that promote responsible gambling practices.
Certification for Gaming Devices:
Part 5 of Article 16 in the Law on Gambling mandates that gaming devices, including remote gaming devices, must possess a certificate issued by accredited institutions. This certification serves as confirmation that the gaming devices meet the specific requirements outlined in the law. The violation of this provision raises questions about Top Sport’s commitment to regulatory compliance.
Potential License Suspension:
In response to the repeated breaches, Top Sport has been issued a caution regarding the possible suspension of its betting license. This warning underscores the gravity of the violations committed and highlights the potential consequences that the company may face if further non-compliance occurs.
Appeal Process:
It is important to note that decisions made by the Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority are not final and can be subject to appeal. The appeal process must adhere to the procedures established by Lithuania’s Law on Administrative Cases. This ensures that operators have the opportunity to contest penalties or seek resolutions through appropriate legal channels.
Top Sport’s recent fines and regulatory breaches related to mobile betting have underscored the importance of adherence to regulations and responsible gambling practices. The penalties imposed and the potential suspension of the company’s license serve as reminders that compliance is essential in the gambling industry. Going forward, it is imperative that Top Sport takes appropriate measures to rectify the identified issues and demonstrate a commitment to responsible gambling, thereby fostering a safer gambling environment in Lithuania.