Lithuania’s Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a decision against Top Sport, a local operator who was fined by the regulator in 2023 for violating self-exclusion rules at one of its venues. The hefty €15,000 fine was imposed by the regulator after a case heard in the Vilnius District Administrative Court. Despite Top Sport’s appeal, the Supreme Administrative Court deemed the regulator’s decision to be “legal and reasonable”, with no basis found for the appeal.

The operator came under scrutiny for multiple violations, including allowing a self-excluded individual to enter the premises, leading to the dismissal of two employees. Subsequent investigations also uncovered that Top Sport had disregarded surveillance regulations, with cameras failing to capture transactions clearly and not retaining footage for the required 180-day period.

In response to these breaches, Top Sport was instructed to ensure visibility of both staff and patrons on security cameras, as well as all monetary transactions. This was not the only instance of Top Sport facing penalties from the regulator in 2023, as the operator received three separate fines in a week for various violations.

One such incident involved underage individuals being allowed into a slot outlet, resulting in a €25,000 fine. The following day, Top Sport was fined an additional €15,000 for breaching mobile betting regulations, with a third fine of €15,000 issued for non-compliance with payment and deposit regulations for online accounts.

Despite these setbacks, Top Sport remains a prominent player in Lithuania’s gambling market, often regarded as the market leader. The country saw a 12.6% increase in gambling revenue year-on-year, totaling €116m in the first half of 2024, driven by strong online performance amidst a decline in land-based revenue. The incidents involving Top Sport highlight the importance of regulatory compliance in the gambling industry, ensuring the safety and security of all patrons.