Lithuania Proposes Mandatory Gambler's Card for All Gambling and End to Cash Transactions

Lithuania's Ministry of Finance and Gambling Supervisory Authority have presented amendments to the Law on Gambling of the Republic of Lithuania to the Seimas. The changes would require every person participating in gambling, whether in physical venues or remotely, to obtain a gambler's card. They would also abolish the use of cash in gambling establishments.

The measures are scheduled to phase in throughout 2027 and 2028, with full implementation required by January 1, 2029.

Core Goals and Tools

"The main goal of the changes is to reduce the accessibility of gambling and the harm to people’s mental health. In order for this to be realistically implemented, the gambler’s card becomes an essential tool. Therefore, the new draft law provides that all persons wishing to participate in gambling in physical gambling venues or remotely will be required to obtain a gambler’s card. And the refusal of cash in gambling venues will reduce money laundering and other risks," said Virginijus Daukšys, Head of the Gambling Supervision Service under the Ministry of Finance.

As reported by G3 Newswire, the coalition government is also pursuing a progressive taxation system for gambling licences. Specific rates have not been finalised. The system is projected to deliver an extra €36m to the state budget.

Additional Safeguards

The amendments include technological monitoring of customer behaviour, deposit controls and improved staff training to identify and assist those at risk of gambling harm.

Implementation Horizon

The timeline commits to staged rollout before the 2029 deadline, leaving operators and regulators time to address practical requirements around card issuance, cashless systems and the new tax structure. Outcomes will turn on execution details that remain to be settled in the final legislation.