Lithuania Adjusts Gambling Age Limit

Lithuania Adjusts Gambling Age Limit

Lithuania's parliament has updated its Gambling Act to introduce new age restrictions and tighter operational requirements across the industry. Effective from July 2025, the legal age for all gambling activities, whether in-person or online, will be raised to 21, with national lottery draws remaining the only exception. Previously, the 21-year age threshold applied solely to casinos, but it now encompasses other gambling sectors, aiming to standardize access limits across the industry.

The new regulations also demand enhanced monitoring within gambling venues. A key provision requires establishments to appoint trained personnel to monitor player behavior and step in when risk signals appear. These staff members, certified by Lithuania's gambling regulator, will have the authority to temporarily restrict high-risk individuals—up to a 48-hour suspension if necessary. This is a response to the government's aim to address gambling risks through active intervention.

The regulatory changes also include enhanced data requirements. Both physical and online gambling providers must now implement systems that track player transactions, with records accessible to the Gaming Control Authority. Additionally, financial institutions are mandated to block transactions related to unlicensed gambling websites, targeting unauthorized operators.

With the changes, the Ministry of Finance anticipates a safer gambling environment and reduced risk of addiction. The Act's amendments also include a moderate tax increase for operators, with rates on activities such as slots, betting, and online gambling rising from 20% to 22%. Officials estimate that this increase will generate an additional €4.4 million annually, part of which will fund public education efforts on gambling risks and provide financial support to media impacted by advertising restrictions.

Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė noted that the tax adjustment should not interfere with the sector's competitive standing, indicating that these regulatory changes are carefully calibrated to balance industry growth with societal protections. Lithuania's gambling industry has been expanding, reaching a revenue of €116 million in the first half of 2024, marking a 12.6% growth compared to the previous year. Online gambling has contributed significantly to this trend, with revenue in that segment rising to €72.2 million and total player spending surpassing €1 billion.

Lithuania's reforms signal a trend toward regulatory rigor that may extend to other jurisdictions looking to reinforce industry controls. For operators, the expanded age restrictions and monitoring requirements underscore a shift toward greater accountability in the sector. The mandate for on-site staff trained to detect risky behaviors could influence broader operational standards and customer interaction protocols, especially in the online sector where self-regulation has often been challenging.

The implications of the additional tax burden and advertising restrictions may prompt operators to rethink strategies for maintaining engagement within tighter regulatory confines. The required transaction data systems and restrictions on unauthorized transactions further highlight the Lithuanian government's approach to ensuring both transparency and accountability in the gambling industry.

These reforms mark a notable regulatory step as the government addresses gambling access, financial transparency, and player well-being issues. By closely monitoring Lithuania's approach, other countries could adopt similar models, setting new standards for responsible gambling practices in a globalized industry.