Gaming regulators at the international conference in Lithuania
In September 2023, Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority organized the 7th Conference of the Baltic gaming regulators with the participation of Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection, which was arranged on the basis of a cooperation agreement signed between the authorities in 2015. For the first time this year, representatives of the Ukrainian Gambling and Lotteries Supervision Commission (hereinafter referred to as „KRAIL“) have been invited to attend the conference.
During the conference, the representatives of the institutions shared the most relevant information on their activities, regulations, challenges, and trends of the relevant markets. During the conference, expert discussions and working groups sessions for vital issues and experience exchange were organized.
Peculiarities of the Ukrainian market presented
Representatives of KRAIL presented the peculiarities, challenges, and ambitions of gambling supervision in Ukraine, the main functions and scope of activity of the supervisory authority, the specifics of the gambling and lottery market, types of licenses and licensing requirements, actions and challenges in the field of prevention of problem gambling, illegal gambling, etc.
The specialists of participating institutions found many touchpoints for possible future cooperation to enhance the supervisory functions and efficiency of institutions' activity.
Lithuanian regulator among the most progressive Lithuanian supervisory authorities
Virginijus Daukšys, Director of the Gaming Control Authority, presented the latest gaming and lotteries regulative developments, changes observed, trends, and challenges faced by the Authority in carrying out the functions assigned to it by the Gaming Law and in supervising and controlling the activities of the operators.
Statistical information on the most frequent offenses committed by gaming companies, investigations carried out, complaints received, and measures taken against illegal gambling operators were also presented. Particular attention was also paid to the activities of the Gambling Control Authority in the field of prevention of problem gambling, actions to prevent manipulation in sports betting, and prevention of money laundering.
Furthermore, the third systematic evaluation of the activities of supervisory authorities, carried out by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, was presented. During the evaluation process, it was assessed to what extent and how the authorities supervising the activities of economic entities implement advanced supervision measures and apply good practices in trade supervision activities. In the progress assessment, based on the scores collected in nine categories, the Gaming Control Authority achieved 6th place in the list of the most progressive Lithuanian supervisory authorities.
Plans for future cooperation initiatives
Representatives of the Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection presented information on the draft Law on Gambling and Lotteries and the changes envisaged in the 2021-2027 market development guidelines. They also gave an overview of the latest trends in the country's gambling market and the challenges by performing market control and supervision-related functions. The speakers also referred to the need to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ukrainian Authority.
The cooperation of gaming and lotteries regulators‘ of Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine will be continued in the future as well, with special attention to the exchange of relevant information on regulation and control issues in the supervised areas, paying attention to specific topics (control challenges, prevention of problem gambling, prevention of money laundering and match-fixing, measures against illegal remote gambling operators, etc.).