Lithuania Tightens Measures Against Illegal Gambling

The Lithuanian government has stepped up its efforts against illegal gambling by updating key regulations. The changes aim to block unauthorized gambling operators from targeting Lithuanian consumers and undermining the nation’s regulated sector.

This update, proposed by the Ministry of Finance and approved in the Lithuanian Parliament, will significantly curb the ability of illegal gambling platforms to operate within the country.

Illegal Operators Will Face Significant Challenges

Lithuania’s new measures aim to limit credit/debit card payments to unauthorized gambling sites, strengthen consumer protections, and enhance the gambling sector’s overall transparency. Financial institutions in Lithuania must now block card transactions made to gambling operators not included in the government’s official “white list,” hindering their ability to target Lithuanians.

This “white list” includes only gambling operators licensed and permitted to operate in Lithuania. These companies will retain their ability to conduct customer transactions, leaving the regulated sector unscathed. While this measure does not extend to cryptocurrency or third-party payment services, it should still pose a significant obstacle to illegal entities.

Until now, payment card transactions to online gambling platforms did not include detailed recipient information, hindering investigations. The amendments will ensure that all gambling transactions meet the standards of Lithuania’s Gaming Supervisory Authority (LPT). Such updated information is pivotal for preventing attempts to circumvent regulations and will also help the regulator keep better track of market trends.

The Nation Presses On with Its Gambling Reforms

The amendments introduce fines for payment service providers facilitating transactions involving illegal gambling entities. Managers and Responsible Persons at such institutions could face financial penalties ranging from €1,800 to €3,800 ($1,850 to $3,900). Leading financial service providers directly contributed to this updated legislation, significantly improving the ease of implementation.

Lithuania has made significant progress in its efforts to better protect consumers and regulate the gambling market. The nation has increased the legal gambling age to 21, introduced steeper licensing fees, and addressed rising gambling addiction. July 2025 will mark the start of a new advertising regime, significantly limiting ad placements online and offline.

Lithuania’s efforts to bolster its local regulations align with the broader European trend toward enhanced consumer protections, harm reduction, and battling illegal operators. From 2016 to 2024, the nation has blocked 1,809 illegal gambling websites, firmly positioning itself as a leader in responsible gambling regulation and expertly balancing the interests of operators, consumers, and payment providers.