Payment firms under fire in illegal gambling crackdown

The European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA) has ramped up its fight against illegal online casinos by lodging a complaint against Walletto, a payment processing company, with the Lithuanian banking regulator. The complaint, submitted on 10 July 2026, calls for an investigation into Walletto for allegedly facilitating transactions tied to unlicensed gambling operations.

Walletto, which is not as well-known in the payment processing arena, is now facing scrutiny as regulators and trade organisations seek to tighten control over unlicensed online gambling. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has previously implemented strict measures to combat such activities, partnering with financial entities to obstruct payments to unlicensed operators. As of [14 July 2026], the UK gambling market is under stringent regulations, with operators such as Bet365, William Hill, and Ladbrokes complying with high standards.

A spokesperson for the EGBA remarked in a statement on 10 July: '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 Kenyan casino players

For Kenyan casino players, this news serves as a crucial reminder about the necessity of engaging with licensed operators. Although the EGBA's focus is currently on Walletto and the Lithuanian landscape, it reflects a wider concern regarding unlicensed casinos gaining access to financial systems. If you've ever withdrawn funds from a licensed local platform, you understand the importance of a regulated environment. The reliability of licensed operators ensures that your transactions are both prompt and secure.

The wider implications of payment firm investigations

The EGBA's action against Walletto aligns with a growing trend of regulatory bodies globally scrutinising payment firms linked to the gambling industry. While the figure of £273,000 may appear substantial, past penalties levied by the UKGC have been even higher, underscoring the commitment to clean up the market. However, these investigations tend to be lengthy, and outcomes can differ widely. Historically, such actions have led to stricter regulations on financial transactions within the gambling sector.

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