Lithuania to introduce mandatory player card and cash ban

Amendments to the gambling law, prepared by the Lithuanian Ministry of Finance and the Gaming Control Authority, have been submitted to the Seimas. Under the proposal, everyone who wants to gamble in physical casinos or remotely will be required to obtain a player card. In addition, casinos will not accept cash.

The regulation will be implemented gradually in 2027 and 2028, with full implementation starting on 1 January 2029. According to officials, the aim is to reduce access to gambling and lower the harm it causes to players' mental health.

Virginijus Daukšys, head of the Gaming Control Service within the Ministry of Finance, said that removing cash would reduce money laundering and other risks. The government also plans to introduce a tiered tax system for gambling licences. Tax rates have not yet been finalised. The measure is expected to bring an additional 36 million euros in revenue to the state budget.

The proposal also includes other measures to protect players. These include technological monitoring of customer behaviour, deposit controls and improved staff training.