Lithuanian Government Raises Fees for Gambling Licenses
The Lithuanian Ministry of Finance has approved a resolution to increase state permit fees for gambling businesses and services in the country.
Effective July 27th, the amendments include changes to the licensing fees for casinos, slot ventures, bingo halls, and sports betting venues.
The state increased the licensing fee for all the gambling centers mentioned above to €1,504, with renewals set at €186. A €717 permit fee and a corresponding renewal fee will be charged to new totalizator sports betting outlets entering the market.
A fee of €369 will apply to any amendments or additions to a casino, slots, or bingo license, while online gambling permits will cost €784.
In addition to these fees, once a gambling license is approved, the operator is required to pay an approval fee, which has now been increased to €966. A fee of €615 will also be charged for any amendments to a license.
The country has also increased its lotteries license fee from €1,395 to €1,620.
Responsible Gambling Efforts
According to the government, the funds generated from the newly increased fees will be allocated to initiatives focused on reducing the negative impacts of gambling and promoting safe gambling practices.
Lithuania is highly invested in responsible gambling, and it continues to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of players and the integrity of the industry. Last month, the Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Service fined Top Sport €15,000 for allowing a user to deposit using someone else's debit card. This marked the third time the regulator would sanction the company in 2023.
Past Licensing Fee Changes
The new resolution is the latest significant increase in gambling licensing costs in Lithuania. In 2022, the Seimas (Parliament) increased remote licensing costs to €500,000 and imposed a 20% gross tax on their gambling revenues after passing a resolution to eliminate the 'domiciled approval' measure from Lithuania's Gambling Law and the Lottery & Gaming Tax Law.
However, despite the increases, Lithuania's gambling permit fees continue to be among the lowest in Europe.
More Regulation News
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Lithuanian Government Raises Fees for Gambling Licenses