The Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority, a branch of the Ministry of Finance, has significantly expanded its list of blocked gambling websites. Four domains associated with Flagman Casino – flagman.casino, flagman-casino1.com, flagmancasino16.com, flagmancasino17.com, and flagmancasino18.com – were recently added to the blacklist. These domains, operated by GALAKTIKA N.V., lacked the necessary Lithuanian licenses to operate within the country.
This action brings the total number of blocked domains to 1,910. The Control Authority, empowered by the Republic of Lithuania’s Gaming Law, employs various methods to restrict access to unlicensed gambling operators. These measures include payment processing restrictions and DNS blocking, effectively preventing Lithuanian citizens from accessing these websites.
Existing Restrictions and Future Plans
The newly blocked Flagman Casino domains join a lengthy list of prohibited websites, including prominent international operators such as Unibet, William Hill, PokerStars, and Bet365, along with numerous regional variations of these platforms.
Lithuania is actively pursuing a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorized online gambling. This intensified effort coincides with the country’s phased approach to prohibiting gambling advertisements. Beginning with restrictions on television, radio, and online advertising, the initial phase limits ad length to 15 seconds and restricts the number of hourly broadcasts. Crucially, online advertisements will be prohibited from directly linking to gambling websites.
Betsson’s Market Entry and Advertising Changes
The regulatory changes are taking place alongside a notable shift in the Lithuanian gambling market. Betsson recently launched its flagship brand in Lithuania, replacing its previously used Betsafe brand. This strategic move by Betsson highlights the ongoing reshaping of the Lithuanian gambling landscape, driven by stricter regulations and licensing requirements. The complete ban on gambling advertising is anticipated to be fully implemented by 2028.
