EGBA Files Complaint Against Lithuanian Payment Provider

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has filed a complaint against Lithuania's payment provider, Walletto, with the Bank of Lithuania, alleging involvement in transactions linked to illegal gambling operators. This situation points to a significant issue affecting Europe's entire payments chain.

EGBA's Allegations Against Walletto

On July 10, 2026, the EGBA submitted a formal complaint aimed at Walletto, a Lithuania-based payment service provider. The EGBA claimed that Walletto processed payments associated with illegal gambling sites targeting European consumers. The evidence for this accusation stemmed from test transactions carried out during an investigation, allegedly demonstrating Walletto's participation in illegal deposits.

A Widespread European Problem

The EGBA argues that illegal gambling operators depend heavily on mainstream payment methods and networks to function outside of legal EU regulatory frameworks. As these operators can process transactions, they evade regulatory controls and expose consumers to risks through platforms lacking essential protections such as identity verification or anti-money laundering measures.

Illegal platforms compromise consumer safety and even allow minors and self-excluded individuals to gamble without restrictions. The root problem lies across the payments chain, exploiting vulnerabilities from service providers to card networks.

Call for Coordinated Action

According to the EGBA, addressing this problem requires a collaborative effort encompassing policymakers, regulators, and payment providers. Notably, card schemes, which set network rules and access transaction data, are key players in this initiative. The EGBA emphasizes that payment providers should cease processing transactions for illegal operators, insisting on the enforcement of the EU Payment Services Directive and anti-money laundering laws.

"Payment providers should not be allowed to process transactions for illegal gambling operators," said Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA. "Card schemes play a crucial role in combatting illegal transactions."

Future Efforts to Combat Illegal Transactions

The EGBA's commitment to halting illegal operators in the European online gambling market remains firm. By pushing for a coordinated strategy, the association aims to eliminate illegal gambling activities through stringent control of financial channels.