EGBA files complaint against Walletto over alleged illegal gambling payments in Lithuania
European gambling body calls for investigation into payment processing for unlicensed betting sites.
1Background of the Complaint
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has formally accused Lithuanian payment provider Walletto of processing transactions linked to illegal gambling operators. Test transactions allegedly show Walletto facilitating payments for unlicensed betting platforms across Europe.
2Europe-Wide Issue
EGBA emphasizes this isn't an isolated case. Illegal gambling sites rely on mainstream payment networks to operate outside licensed systems. Without access to these financial channels, their ability to attract customers and process deposits would be severely limited.
3Consumer Protection Concerns
Players using unlicensed platforms miss out on mandatory safeguards like identity verification, responsible gambling tools, and anti-money laundering controls. EGBA warns weak checks may allow minors and self-excluded individuals to access these sites.
4Industry Leader's Response
EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer stated: "Payment providers shouldn't facilitate illegal gambling transactions." He added that card schemes have unique power to combat illegal flows as they oversee entire payment networks and transaction patterns.
5Regulatory Context
The complaint follows EGBA's support for a CJEU ruling against Lithuania's gambling ad restrictions last year. The court found procedural flaws in how the bans were implemented. EGBA stresses proper legislative processes are crucial for EU compliance.
6Critical Industry Move
EGBA argues stopping illegal operators requires coordinated action from regulators, payment providers, banks and card schemes. This complaint marks a significant step in disrupting financial channels supporting Europe's illegal gambling market.