To reduce problem gambling, the Lithuanian Ministry of Finance has proposed a law requiring everyone who wants to participate in gambling, online or in person, to have a player card. The proposal has been submitted to the Government.
The introduction of the card will allow the centralised recording of player activity. All transactions will be recorded in a central database, allowing authorities and operators to manage risks and help prevent excessive losses.
Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas stated: “A player card is an essential tool for implementing responsible gambling policy. This strengthens the prevention of problem gambling and ensures that the main goal - reducing the accessibility of gambling and potential harm to health -is actually achieved.”
Furthermore, new regulations will eliminate excessive requirements for businesses and grant the Gambling Supervisory Authority greater powers, thereby ensuring more effective market supervision.
To ensure smooth implementation of the new law, its provisions will take effect on different dates. The changes aimed at eliminating excessive business requirements will take effect on 1 May 2027.
Meanwhile, implementing the player card is a complex and technically demanding process, so a transition period is planned.
It is proposed that the provisions related to the introduction of this card come into force on 1 January 2029.
Vaitiekūnas further commented: “A three-year transition period is set in order to give gambling operators time to upgrade their existing equipment or replace it with systems that comply with non-cash payment requirements starting in 2029.”
On 11 February this year, Lithuanian state institutions met at the Government Office to discuss more effective blocking of illegal gambling websites and improvement of Article 98, which mandates their removal
