Lithuania: TopSport under investigation for unauthorised league advertising
Lithuanian gambling authority launches investigation following legal amendments.
Key points:
– The Gambling Supervisory Authority (LPT) has launched an inspection into TopSport for using its betting trademark in the name of the Lithuanian Football League A
– The inspection follows recent legal changes restricting the use of gambling brands in sports sponsorships
The Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority (LPT) has initiated an inspection into TopSport over unauthorised advertising practices.
The probe focuses on TopSport’s use of its betting trademark in the name of the Lithuanian Football League A, which is prohibited under amendments to the Gambling Law that came into effect on 1 July.
Before the inspection, the LPT provided consultations to both TopSport and the Lithuanian Football Clubs Association A-League regarding compliance with the new rules. Despite these consultations, the companies did not fully comply with the legal requirements.
The football league’s logo was modified to read “TopSport supports A league,” but the inclusion of the betting trademark still constitutes a violation under current regulations.
The amended law prohibits the use of gambling organisers’ names or logos in the names of clubs, leagues or sponsored individuals in any communications.
Good to know: The transitional period allows companies to adapt before a full ban on gambling sponsorship and advertising is implemented
However, the law allows limited visibility, such as placing betting logos on stadium stands or athlete uniforms and sponsorship statements such as “Football Club A, sponsored by Betting Company B” without logos.
Since March, the LPT has conducted five meetings and forty-five individual consultations with market participants to guide compliance with the stricter rules.
The LPT also publishes systematised information and frequently asked questions on its website to clarify the application of the new regulations.
Following the July amendments, the LPT continued to provide guidance, issuing reminders and recommendations when potential violations were identified.
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