EGBA Files Complaint Against Lithuanian Payment Provider
The EGBA urges stricter enforcement to prevent payments supporting illegal gambling, highlighting a major issue in Europe's payments system.
Key Takeaways
- EGBA filed a complaint against Walletto for alleged illegal gambling payments.
- Illegal operators rely on mainstream payment methods to bypass EU regulations.
- EGBA urges coordinated action among financial entities to block illegal transactions.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the EGBA file a complaint against Walletto?
The EGBA claims that Walletto is involved in processing payments for illegal gambling operators, compromising consumer safety.
What does the EGBA propose to combat illegal gambling transactions?
The EGBA calls for stricter enforcement of financial regulations and coordinated action among regulators and payment providers to prevent transactions for illegal operators.
How can card schemes help tackle illegal gambling payments?
Card schemes can play a crucial role by enforcing rules within their networks and monitoring transaction flows to block illegal gambling operators.
Tags
About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
More from Eleanor Whitfield
