Lithuania Passes Bill to Ban Gambling Advertising from 2024

The Lithuanian parliament has passed a bill to completely ban gambling advertising, which will come into force in July 2024. With 73 votes in favor and one abstention, MPs supported restrictions on gambling advertising on television, radio, online and print media.

The new law includes exceptions for advertising sporting events and sponsorships, valid until the end of 2027. During this transitional period, up to three 15-second ads per hour are allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and up to two ads per hour in the evening. Online advertising without direct links to operators’ websites will occupy up to 20% of advertising space in the morning hours and 10% after 6:00 p.m.

The government has allocated a budget of €4 million to support the media during the transition period. Lithuania joins other countries, such as Australia and Northern Ireland, that are also tightening restrictions on gambling advertising.