EGBA has filed a complaint with the Bank of Lithuania over alleged illegal gambling payments linked to unlicensed gambling operators. The complaint follows an investigation into websites targeting European consumers. EGBA says better enforcement is needed to stop illegal payment processing.

• EGBA has filed a formal complaint against Lithuania-based payment service provider Walletto after an investigation into illegal gambling websites and apps. Test transactions allegedly showed Walletto’s services being used for deposits on several unlicensed platforms. The association has asked the Bank of Lithuania to investigate the findings.
• According to EGBA, illegal operators depend on mainstream payment services to continue reaching consumers across Europe. The association said blocking illegal gambling payments would make it much harder for these operators to function outside regulated licensing systems. It also warned that illegal sites lack key consumer protection measures.
• EGBA is calling for stronger cooperation between financial regulators, payment providers, acquiring banks and card networks. It wants existing EU payment and anti-money laundering rules to be enforced more consistently. Card schemes are also urged to prevent illegal gambling payments on their networks.
• EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer said: “Payment providers should not be allowed to process transactions for illegal gambling operators.” He added that card schemes have a key role because they can monitor payment flows across their networks. EGBA said it will continue pushing for coordinated action across Europe.

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