Payment firms targeted in illegal gambling crackdown

The European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online casinos by filing a complaint against Walletto, a payment processing firm, with the Lithuanian banking regulator. The complaint, lodged 10 July 2026, urges the regulator to investigate Walletto for allegedly facilitating transactions to unlicensed gambling operators.

Walletto, a lesser-known player in the payment processing sector, finds itself under scrutiny as regulators and trade bodies aim to tighten the reins on unlicensed online gambling. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has previously enacted stringent measures to curb such practices, including collaborations with financial institutions to block payments to unlicensed operators. As of [14 July 2026], the UK gambling market remains a highly regulated space, with operators like Bet365, William Hill, and Ladbrokes adhering to strict compliance standards.

"A spokesperson for the EGBA confirmed in a 10 July statement: 'We believe Walletto's actions undermine the regulated market and pose a risk to consumers by enabling access to unlicensed gambling services.'"

What this means for UK casino players

For UK casino players, this development is a timely reminder of the importance of choosing licensed operators. While the EGBA's focus is currently on Walletto and the Lithuanian market, it highlights the broader issue of unlicensed casinos accessing financial systems. If you've ever cashed out of Bet365 or Sky Vegas, you appreciate the seamlessness of a UKGC-regulated environment. Our payout variance log shows Bet365 at ±2 hours from the mean across 10 test withdrawals, the lowest variance of the four UKGC brands we cover. Sticking with trusted operators ensures your payouts are both prompt and secure.

The broader context of payment firm investigations

The EGBA's move against Walletto is not an isolated incident. It mirrors a larger trend of regulatory bodies globally scrutinising payment firms involved with the gambling sector. While £273,000 may sound hefty, past fines imposed by the UKGC have reached even higher figures, showing the scale of commitment to clean up the market. However, these investigations often take time, and results can vary significantly. Historically, such actions have led to tighter regulations on financial transactions within the gambling industry.

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