Lithuania Raises Gambling Age and Tightens Industry Regulations

Lithuania’s parliament has updated its Gambling Act, implementing stricter age limits and enhanced operational requirements across the gambling sector. Beginning in July 2025, the legal gambling age will rise to 21 for all forms of gambling, both in-person and online, with the national lottery remaining the only exception. This adjustment extends the 21-year age requirement, previously limited to casinos, to other types of gambling as well, aiming for a standardized age limit across the industry.

The revised regulations introduce stricter oversight within gambling venues. A notable new requirement mandates that operators employ trained personnel to monitor players and intervene when risky behaviors arise. These staff members, certified by Lithuania’s gambling regulator, will have the authority to impose temporary restrictions on individuals deemed high-risk, including suspensions of up to 48 hours if necessary. This proactive approach aligns with the government’s strategy to mitigate gambling risks through direct intervention.

Additionally, the reforms require enhanced data tracking. Physical and online gambling providers must implement systems to log player transactions, which will be accessible to the Gaming Control Authority. Financial institutions are now obligated to block transactions associated with unlicensed gambling sites, a move targeting unauthorized operators.

The Ministry of Finance expects these changes to foster a safer gambling environment and lower addiction risks. As part of the reforms, a modest tax increase for gambling operators will take effect, with tax rates on slot machines, betting, and online gambling activities increasing from 20% to 22%. The government projects this adjustment will generate an additional €4.4 million annually, part of which will fund public education on gambling risks and provide financial aid to media organizations impacted by gambling advertising restrictions.

Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė emphasized that the tax changes have been carefully balanced to ensure they do not harm the industry’s competitive edge. The adjustments come at a time when Lithuania’s gambling sector is experiencing growth, with revenues reaching €116 million in the first half of 2024, a 12.6% increase from the previous year. Online gambling is a major contributor to this growth, with revenues reaching €72.2 million and player spending exceeding €1 billion.

Lithuania’s regulatory overhaul may signal a shift toward stricter controls that could influence other jurisdictions seeking to reinforce gambling industry standards. For operators, the expanded age limits and monitoring requirements signify a move toward increased accountability, especially with mandated on-site staff trained to identify and respond to risky behaviors—a standard that could reshape customer interaction protocols across the sector, including online.

The additional tax burden and advertising restrictions may prompt operators to adjust their strategies within these tighter regulatory parameters. Moreover, the requirement for transaction data systems and restrictions on unauthorized transactions reflect Lithuania’s commitment to transparency and accountability within the industry.

These comprehensive reforms represent a significant step in addressing gambling accessibility, financial oversight, and player welfare. Other countries may look to Lithuania’s approach as a model, potentially setting new benchmarks for responsible gambling practices on a global scale.