LITHUANIA BANS ALL GAMBLING ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

All gambling advertisements and promotions will be illegal in Lithuania from 1 July 2021. 

Yesterday, the Lithuanian Parliament voted in favour of an amendment to the country’s Law on Gambling, banning all advertising and promotions, including special offers, discounts and bonuses. 

The government says the changes are necessary to help combat problem gambling, and reflect the mood of the country’s public – if a recent survey from the Gambling Supervision Authority is to be believed.

Gambling operators in Lithuania had previously agreed to halt advertising for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the regulator has said many operators broke this promise and gambling advertising actually increased. 

Lithuania’s National Gambling and Gaming Business Association has warned the new rules will cause operators to shun the country, and damage the sector. 

AYO.NEWS says:

While Lithuania, with less than 3 million residents, isn’t exactly a major market for international gambling operators, the worry will be that the move encourages those calling for similar bans elsewhere.

However, those cheerleading such bans might want to take another look at Italy, where all gambling advertising has been banned since 1 January 2019. Since then the Italian gaming market, particularly online, has boomed. 

But, is this really surprising? Throughout history, when something is banned or treated as if it’s forbidden, it often makes people want it more. Just look at the outcome of prohibition in the United States, or ask any parent!