Lithuania to Implement Compulsory Gambling Cards by 2029

Lithuania is set to revolutionize its gambling industry with the introduction of mandatory player cards, a pivotal part of the nation's gambling reform strategy. Scheduled for complete implementation by 2029, this measure is designed to enhance oversight in both retail and online gambling arenas. The Lithuanian government sees this initiative as crucial for bolstering regulatory checks and promoting responsible gambling habits.

The Structure of Lithuania's Gambling Card System

The comprehensive reforms were detailed by the Gambling Control Authority of Lithuania, following amendments to the Gaming Law, as sanctioned by the Ministry of Finance. The legislation brings about rigorous monitoring protocols for both physical and digital gambling activities. Under the forthcoming framework, participants must use a personalized card linked to their gambling account and national ID. This policy will impact 18 casinos, 50 arcades, and 10 online license holders. The implementation, taking place from 2027 to 2028, marks the first centralised gambling oversight in an EU member state. The system merges ID verification, spending management, and responsible gambling measures. While similar systems exist in Poland and Norway, Lithuania's aim is to reinforce responsible gambling rather than introduce player surveillance.

Ensuring Compliance and Protecting Players

Key to this initiative is the introduction of player cards connected directly to gambling accounts with user-defined spending limits. Regulators affirm that this system allows players to track their gambling activities, enforcing limits automatically to prevent excessive spending. According to the Gambling Control Authority, "The introduction of a mandatory player card, linked to the player’s personal gambling accounts and predetermined permissible limits, will ensure compliance with the established limits." These cards will also seamlessly integrate with national self-exclusion and age-verification systems, following recent measures raising the legal gambling age. An unavoidable outcome of these changes is an increase in compliance costs for operators. Lithuanian authorities expect their approach to draw interest from other EU countries considering similar reforms. Current observers include regulatory bodies in Spain, France, and the UK, where there is an ongoing exploration of stricter affordability checks. Source: “Lithuania backs Player Card as principal gambling control”, sbcnews.co.uk, May 22, 2026 By GamesAndCasino