The Lithuanian parliament has passed a ban on gambling advertising, with an overwhelming majority. In a recent vote, 73 members voted in favour of the new restrictions, with only one member abstaining. This decisive move reflects Lithuania’s rising commitment to restricting gambling influence in the country. The amendments to the gaming law will enforce a ban on gambling advertising starting in July 2025. However, exemptions will be made for sports competitions, events, sponsorships, and broadcasts, which will be granted a transitional period until January 1, 2028.
Key provisions of the ban
The legislation restricts all forms of advertising related to gambling across various media channels, including television, radio, online platforms, and print publications. This contains promotional activities, sponsorships, and indirect advertising efforts by gambling companies, effectively removing their presence from mainstream Lithuanian media.
New amendments require all gambling venues to always have a staff member present to handle irresponsible gambling behaviour. This staff member will undergo training from the national gambling regulator and be authorised to intervene when risky gambling is detected. If needed, the staff member will have the power to suspend the customer for 48 hours. The aim of these measures is to uplift responsible gambling practices and ensure that venues are equipped to handle situations of potential harm, contributing to the protection of vulnerable individuals in the gambling industry.
The Ministry of Finance predicts that these measures will help to develop a safer gambling environment and minimise addiction. In addition, next year will come up with a tax hike for gambling operators. The income tax on slots, table games, bingo, betting, and online gambling will increase from 20% to 22%.
Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė said that the change is not expected to substantially impact the industry’s competitiveness but will generate approximately €4.4 million in extra revenue for the state budget. A portion of these funds will be allocated to public education on the risks of gambling and to compensate media outlets for the loss of revenue resulting from Lithuania’s ban on gambling advertising.
There has been growing talks about curbing gambling advertising worldwide. In Australia, experts are pushing for government reforms to control targeted ads aimed at vulnerable populations, following research showing that alcohol and gambling companies target at-risk individuals on platforms like Facebook. Similarly, in Northern Ireland, the All-Party Group on Reducing Harm from Gambling has been calling on the Westminster Government to implement stricter advertising regulations.
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