The Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority has issued a fine to lottery operator UAB New Miracle after ruling that it breached regulations related to money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Authority investigated the operator’s activities in 2019 and 2020, identifying a series of failings in the process.
According to the Authority, UAB New Miracle did not properly identify and verify customers prior to entering into business relationships, while the operator also failed to check if there were players that required enhanced identification upon registration.
The Authority also said UAB New Miracle did not have in place an appropriate internal policy and internal control procedures to ensure effective prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, as required by law in Lithuania.
As a result, the Authority issued a fine of €10,000 (£8,607/$12,092) and ordered UAB New Miracle to make the relevant changes to its operations by 7 June at the latest.
The fine comes after the Authority last month warned unlicensed operators that it could block access to their websites if they continue to offer online gambling in the country without a permit.
Gambling laws in Lithuania permit the Authority to take action against unlicensed operators, including blocking access to their websites in the country. Any blocked operator is also added to the Authority’s blacklist of unlicensed and illegal operators, which is updated regularly on its website.
The only way an operator can be taken off the blacklist is if it secures the relevant licence to offer online gambling in Lithuania.
