At the start of October 2025, Lithuania’s Gaming Control Authority (LPT) presented the Seimas Budget and Finance Committee with the key changes in the gambling sector. The regulator also discussed the ongoing initiatives to protect consumers and raise awareness about digital security.
Steady Growth in the Gambling Sector
In the last 15 years, the country’s land-based and online casino market saw immense expansion. The total gambling revenue spiked from €44.6 million in 2010 to €241.9 million in 2024. In the meantime, in 2025, online gambling takes up 73% of the total market share.
With the expansion of the gambling sector, more consumers have opted to take a break from gaming. In 2024, there were 16,353 requests from people to exclude themselves from casino play. Thus, bringing the total number to 78,690 since 2017. In contrast, the current number is around 20,000 individuals.
However, the increasingly popular casino and betting products have become a cause of concern among local experts. They are worried that the number of people experiencing any degree of problem gambling is much higher. This can also affect their close ones.
The Role of the Gaming Control Authority
As a state-run agency, LPT is in charge of overseeing all regulated gambling verticals across Lithuania. Its main responsibilities include protecting consumers from gambling-related harms, intervening with unregulated gambling, and protecting the integrity of the casino sector.
Furthermore, the regulator monitors licensed third-party operators, ensures licensing compliance, and executes preventive measures. It can also impose advertising restrictions and block websites. Thus, trying to find the balance between industry growth and public protection.
It also works closely with international partners to find the best practices and position the local market as an example of a responsible gambling model in Europe.
Tackling Illegal Gambling
To address unlawful gambling activities, the regulator has come up with a comprehensive system, including:
- Blocking users’ access to illegal websites
- Preventing financial transactions with unlicensed operators
- Implementing “White List” policy for authorised operators
- Restricting gambling advertising
Based on LPT records, no other regulatory agency across 19 EU jurisdictions has such comprehensive and automated blocking systems. Thanks to this system, Lithuania has managed to block more than 1,900 illegal casino sites. Many of those decide to leave the market before the final court rulings.
Advertising Restrictions and Market Adaptation
Earlier this year, the gambling watchdog implemented new rules on advertising and sports partnerships. They went into effect on July 1, 2025. Since then, LPT has provided over 180 consultations and 55 recommendations to help operators fix their errors.
“But we are significantly curbing how and where it can be promoted. Gambling is not a product like toothpaste or cereal; it carries real risks for individuals, families, and society,” said Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė at the time.
Under the new rules, sports clubs and leagues have also changed their names and branding.
Upcoming Regulatory Changes
Starting from November 1 this year, there will also be reforms to the Gambling Act. They aim to decrease accessibility and appeal of gambling offerings, potentially reducing harm for consumers and their surroundings.
In addition to that, from May 1, 2026, online casino operators would be directed to connect to the country’s Slot Machine Control Information System. They would also be required to consistently report gambling activity data to the regulator. With these measures, LPT seeks to bolster supervision and promote responsible gambling practices.
Cybersecurity and Fraud Awareness
A few days ago, LPT announced a collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre. The joint initiative calls for Lithuanians to follow basic cyber practices.
Just a few weeks ago, the NKSC started to auto-block malicious websites. It reported 2,302 incidents in the first 9 months of 2025. It was a decent 15% decrease from the same period in 2024, indicating that there are positive results from the new tools. However, the Centre highlights that critical thinking and cyber hygiene are key in preventing digital fraud.
Over the last couple of years, fraud has been one of the biggest internet dangers to Lithuanians. In 2024, the country saw 288 cases. But the number nearly doubled in 2025, hitting 551 instances with a few more months to go.
Despite the small figures, fraud is responsible for the highest financial losses in Lithuania. It has accounted for €20 million lost between January 27 and August 31, 2025.
Exploiting Human Vulnerability
Fraudsters often rely on social engineering to gather publicly available information and exploit human emotions to access personal data and finances.
“Although most residents are certainly aware of cyber hygiene principles, such as app updates, multi-factor authentication, and strong passwords, the growing scale of fraud and multimillion-euro losses in the digital space show that we often neglect these principles in daily practice,” says the NKSC’s Director Antanas Aleknavičius.
He also noted that even the most advanced automated tools cannot fully protect consumers from digital fraud.
Providing a Safer Environment
By a mixture of regulatory oversight, public awareness campaigns, and advanced technological tools, the LPT and NKSC work to ensure a safer gambling environment and stronger digital security for Lithuania’s public.
Their efforts reflect a proactive approach to preventing harm, promoting responsible behaviour, and maintaining public trust in both the gambling and digital sectors.
