Lithuania continues to work on a gambling law to strengthen control over problem gambling and “prevent irresponsible behaviour.”

On November 8, the Lithuanian Seimas approved “new provisions” to be added to the Gambling Law. Ministers approved the introduction of a new “unified gambling age” of 21 in Lithuania , which will come into force on July 1, 2025 .

The increase in the age of legal gambling users in Lithuania from 18 to 21 was sanctioned by the government in January, with the timetable for amendments to the Gambling Law to be determined by the Seimas. Previously, the government applied the 21+ age limit only to casinos.

From 1 July 2025, the new gambling age limit of 21 will be applied as a “central control” for all gambling (land-based and online), with the exception of the Lithuanian National Lottery draws.

The new "centralised control" will require Lithuanian gambling establishments to hire qualified staff to intervene in cases of irresponsible gambling behaviour.

The officer will be trained by the Gambling Control Authority (LPT) and will have the authority to intervene in a customer's gambling or apply a 48-hour suspension if necessary.

The Lithuanian Gambling Control Authority will be provided with additional control tools to strengthen monitoring and restrict access to illegal online gambling platforms.  

Gambling establishments and online platforms will be required to maintain a system that records all information about players and their transactions, and they will be required to provide the Gambling Control Authority with unrestricted access to view the data at any time.

Financial service providers will be required to block transactions linked to unlicensed gambling sites, further reducing access to offshore channels.

The Finance Ministry, which proposed the reforms, believes the combined measures will create a safer gambling environment, reduce gambling addiction and ensure that licensed gambling operators adhere to high standards of social responsibility.

In 2025, new central controls will also apply to a new gambling tax regime, which is set to increase income tax rates to 22% for slots, casino games, bingo and online gambling.

Source