Lithuania’s Minister of Finance, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, has revealed that the ministry has submitted amendments to the Gambling Law, aiming to introduce mandatory gambling...
Lithuania proceeds with new gambling reforms
Lithuania advances with full gambling overhaul, tightening ad restrictions, raising the legal gambling age, and expanding oversight.
The gambling reforms, effective from July 1, are part of a gradual transition approved by the Seimas (Parliament) in November 2024. The government aims to strengthen player protection and bring the country’s regulatory framework in line with European Union standards.
Under the updated rules, gambling operators can only promote their brands through licensed platforms and on official websites. Digital campaigns, pop-up ads, and direct links to the platforms are banned. Advertising on TV, radio, and the Internet is limited to short 15-second slots and may air only a few times per hour, depending on the time of day.
A complete advertising ban is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028.
Gambling companies can still sponsor sports and cultural events, but are no longer allowed to brand sports clubs or leagues. Logos can still appear alongside sponsored teams and athletes. Only trade publications dedicated to gambling are allowed to carry broader information about the sector.
Lithuania will also raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 starting this month, except for national lottery draws. Operators are also required to impose behavioral monitoring systems, deposit limits, and provide intervention training for staff.
New anti-money laundering (AML) rules require all banks licensed by the Bank of Lithuania to monitor gambling transactions and report suspicious activity to the Gambling Control Authority. Banks must block payments to blacklisted gambling sites within 24 hours of a directive, or face fines of up to €6,000 ($7,042), with stricter penalties for repeat violations.
The Parliament highlighted its intention to remove illegal operators and create a more transparent and responsible gambling environment.
After unscheduled special inspections, Lithuania’s Gaming Control Authority (GCA) imposed a €341,049 fine on gambling operator Tete-a-tete on December 18, 2025, in connection...
