Lithuania is tightening its gambling laws to strengthen problem gambling controls and prevent irresponsible behaviour.
On 8 November, the Seimas (parliament) approved new provisions to be added to the Gambling Law of the Republic of Lithuania.
Key measures include enforcing a new consolidated gambling age of 21, effective from 1 July 2025. This change raises the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, a move sanctioned by the government in January. The Seimas will oversee the timeline for implementing these amendments.
Starting 1 July 2025, the 21-year age limit will apply as a centralised control for all gambling activities, both land-based and online, except for Lithuania’s national lottery draws.
The new regulations will require gambling venues in Lithuania to employ qualified staff dedicated to intervening in cases of irresponsible gambling. These individuals will be trained by the Gaming Control Authority (LPT) and authorised to intervene in a customer’s gambling or enforce a 48-hour suspension if necessary.
Additional controls will enhance the Gambling Control Authority’s ability to monitor and restrict access to illegal online gambling platforms. Gambling venues and online platforms must maintain a system that records all information about gamblers and their transactions, providing the Gaming Control Authority with unrestricted access to review this data at any time.
Financial service providers will also be required to block transactions linked to unlicensed gambling websites, limiting access to unauthorised gambling channels.
The Ministry of Finance, which led these reforms, expects these measures to create a safer gambling environment, reduce gambling addiction, and ensure that licensed operators uphold high standards of social responsibility.
In 2025, the centralised controls will extend to a new tax regime for gambling, raising the tax rate to 22% for slots, casino games, bingo, and online gambling.
