ficial Translation REPUBLIC
LITHUANIA GAMING LAW May 17,
the Law. This Law regulates the conditions and terms and procedure
organisation
gaming in the Republic
Lithuania. Article
their own accord risk losing their wager or bet, and the bet or gain or loss depends on chance,
any event or result
a sports match. 2. Gaming device means a gaming machine as well as another electronic or mechanical device, created and produced for gaming purposes, by the use
which money may be won or lost by chance. 3. Gaming machine (hereinafter machine) means an electronic device, created and produced for gaming purposes, by the use
which money may be won or lost by chance: 1) Category A gaming machine means a gaming machine
unlimited winnings where the maximum amount
winnings per game is not limited; 2) Category B gaming machine means a gaming machine
limited winnings where the winnings shall not exceed LTL 200, with the maximum amount
a stake being Lt 1 and the duration
one game being at least 3 seconds. 4. Gaming establishment (casino) means a place, where table games (roulette, card games, and dice games) and games by gaming machines
category A are organised according to established gaming regulations. 5. Gaming machines hall means a place where gaming machines
category B are operated according to established gaming regulations.
money earmarked for winning players. 9. Person in control
a legal person means a natural or legal person who: 1) has the right to select (appoint) more than a half
the Supervisory Board (Management Board) members and the chief
administration; 2) actually controls the decisions made by the legal person: has the right
ownership to the entire assets or a part thereof
the economic entity or the right use all or a part
the economic entity’s assets. 10. Direct Communication System means a system whereby stakes are accepted and winnings are paid out via direct coupling network terminals, located in various places in the Republic
Lithuania, connected with the central computer by telecommunications network, ensuring centralised registering
acceptance
stakes and payment
winnings. 11. Bookmaker means a natural person who serves as a go-between for persons wagering: establishes the coefficient
the bookmaking relationship, records the wagered sums, collects and pays out the money.
additional free play time. The Government shall set the procedure
gaming machine play. 15. Single maximum amount
winnings means the permitted maximum sum, which can be won by the player during one game, which is equivalent to the product
the stake and the coefficient
the maximum winnings set in the programme
the machine. 16. Duration
one machine game means the time elapsing from the start
the game (depressing
the button) until the appearance
the result
the game. Article 3. Types
Games 1. Gaming machine games: 1) a game by gaming machine
category A is played by putting tokens into the gaming machine and the winnings is paid out through the gaming machine in tokens. The result
the game and the amount
the winnings are determined by the gaming machine. 2) a game by gaming machine
category B is played by putting metal coins and (or) tokens into a gaming machine and the winnings is paid in money or tokens. The result
the game and amount
the winnings are determined by the gaming machine. 2. Bingo is a game which is played using cards with numbers printed on them and a scoreboard; the amount
winnings depends on the entire sum pooled and the guessed number combination, selected at random. The general bingo winnings fund comprises at least 50 percent
the total amount
the stakes pooled. 3. Table games: 1) a roulette is a game played by guessing in which place a small ball dropped on a spinning wheel shall stop; the amount
the winnings depends on the total sum staked and the pro rata distribution
the winnings established in advance. 2) card games or games
dice, when winners or the amount
winnings is determined on the basis
symbol
the cards dealt or number
dice spots scored. 4. Totalisator is a system
wagering on sports events, when the amount
the winnings depends on the ratio
totalisator player’s paid in (fixed in advance by the totalisator organisers) sum and the totalisator’s winning fund. The general totalisator winnings fund shall comprise at least 50 percent
the amount
total stakes. 5. Wagering is a contract between two or more parties on the outcome
an uncertain event based on chance, when the amount
the winnings shall depend on the sum paid in by the player and the pro ratia coefficient fixed by the bookmaker in advance. CHAPTER TWO REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ORGANISATION
GAMING Article
gaming, the Control Commission must obtain the evaluations by the State Security Department, Special Investigation Service and Police Department under the Ministry
the Interior. Article 5. Types
Licences for the Organisation
Gaming 1. Licences may be issued for the organisation
the following games: 1) table games and games by gaming machines
category A; 2) games
gaming machines
category B; 3) bingo; 4) totalisator; 5) bookmaking; 2. One company may be issued all types
licences. Article 6. Validity and Cancellation
Licence 1. A licence to organise games shall be issued for an unlimited period
time and must be re-registered on an annual basis by paying state levies
an established amount. 2. The licence shall be cancelled, if: 1) the licence holder submits a request to cancel the licence; 2) a company being re-organised or liquidated finishes operations; 3) the licence holder fails to re-register the licence at the set time; 4) information submitted for acquiring the licence is false; 5) the company, which had been issued an admonition regarding possible cancellation
the licence, failed to eliminate the violations
the conditions
licenced operations; 6) based on the other grounds established by legal acts;
Games The Government shall approve the regulations
the licensing
games. Article
Gaming Facilities (Casinos) Gaming facilities (casinos) shall be established pending approval by local government council. Article 10. Prohibitions and Restrictions
Organisation
Gaming 1. It shall be prohibited to organise games, which have not been listed in this Law or in violation
the procedure set forth in this Law. 2. Organisation
gaming shall be prohibited in the following locations: 1) in residential houses, excepting those, on the ground floors whereof according to the building and use plan, non-residential premises shall be adapted for other activity and have a main entrance from the street side, which does not coincide with the stairwell entrance; 2) on the premises
pre-school institutions; 3) on the premises
general education schools; 4) on the premises
vocational training institutions; 5) in colleges; 6) in universities; 7) in continuing and non-formal educational institutions; 8) in health care institutions; 9) in children’s sanatoria; 10) in cultural institutions; 11) in libraries; 12) in theatres; 13) in museums and exhibition halls; 14) in credit institutions and other financial institutions; 15) in shops, except for setting up bookmaking and totalisator points in trade centres which are designed not only for shop activities and in which, observing the designated layout, separate premises are built;0 16) in state and municipal institutions and services; 17) in cinemas, railways and bus stations, airports, seaports, except machines games if they shall be organised in separate premises, not linked to the direct functions
these institutions; 18) in post
fice premises, except the bookmaking and totalisator points established therein. 3. Founders and shareholders
the organising company, persons in control
them, members
the gaming company supervisory board, management board and all company personnel shall be prohibited from participating (either individually, or through representation by another person or upon authorisation issued by another person) in the gaming organised by their own company. Public servants engaged in the control and supervision
gaming shall be prohibited from participating in the gaming, except when they are exercising control, in accordance with the procedure established by the Control Commission. 4. A company which is a gaming operator shall be prohibited from acting as the guarantor
other entities’ liabilities or providing any credit to other persons. 5. Transactions conducted by the use
bank (debit, credit) cards and erection
ATM machines in premises in which gaming is organised, shall be prohibited. 6. Economic-commercial activity other than catering, sale
drinks, concert activity and currency exchange, shall be prohibited on the premises where gaming by machines, bingo, table games are operated. 7. Operation
gaming devices which are not supplied with a certificate and are unmarked, as provided for in Article 16 (1,5,6)
this Law, shall be prohibited; 8. It shall be prohibited to use gaming devices for other purposes which are not related to operating
gaming, except for the training
personnel to work with gaming devices when the organiser
the training has a licence for training issued by an institution authorised by the Government. 9. Advertising
gaming within the territory
the Republic
Lithuania shall be prohibited, except for the advertisements
names
gaming operators, gaming establishments, (casinos), bingo, machine halls, totalisator and bookmaking points, addresses
gaming location and types
games operated as well as the number
gaming devices in gaming establishments (casinos), bingo or machine halls. 10. Persons who are under 18 years
age shall be prohibited from participating in gaming. Persons who are 21 years
age and over may take part in gaming organised in gaming establishments (casinos). Persons under 21 years
age shall be refused entrance to the gaming establishment (casino). Admittance to gaming establishments (casino)
persons carrying arms shall be prohibited, with the exception
ficers performing their
ficial duties in accordance with the law. The gaming operator must ensure compliance with the above requirements. 11. All shares
a company, which is a gaming operator, must be registered. 12. The shareholders
a company which is a gaming operator, who have transferred all or a part
their shares to other persons, must within 30 days notify the Control Commission thereof in the manner laid down by it. Should the shareholder die, the person who inherits his shares must within 30 days
coming into the inheritance notify the Control Commission thereof in the manner laid down by the Commission. In such cases, the Control Commission must resolve the question regarding the re-registration
the licence for gaming operations.
other companies.
organisation
gaming laid down in this and other laws
the Republic
Lithuania may also be applied. 17. It shall be prohibited to link gaming machines
category B into the “jackpot” system. 18. Restrictions
paragraphs 4, 11 and 14
this article shall also be applied to companies, which have submitted an application for a licence to operate gambling. Article
an illegal gaming establishment (casino) or operating gaming or belonging to a criminal association, and persons who have been convicted for grave premeditated crimes or crimes against property and business and finance practices may not become founders (shareholders)
a company operating gaming, also persons who are in control,
them, member
the supervisory board, management board and administration
the company, also their deputies, chief financiers, gaming establishment (casino) bingo, gaming machines hall administration chiefs, also their deputies, chief financiers, the gaming services personnel to the players and employees
the Control Commission. 2. The gaming operator shall be responsible for the competence and professional skills
the personnel providing services to the players. Article
category B; 2) bingo facilities; 3) gaming establishments (casinos) table games and gaming by gaming machines
category A.
roulette, machine games, card games, dice-throwing games and gaming by gaming machines
category A may be operated in a gaming establishment (casino). At least three gaming tables, with at least one
them being a roulette table and at least 30 gaming machines
category A must be installed in a gaming establishment (casino). Article 13. Requirements for the Authorised Capital
Companies-Gaming Operators 1. The fully paid authorised and indicated in the articles
association share capital
a company operating bingo, totalisator games and bookmaking must be no less than LTL 1 mill, and
a company operating horse-racing totalisator, no less than LTL 0.5 mill. 2. The fully paid authorised and indicated in the Articles
Association share capital
a company operating gaming by gaming machines
category B must be no less than LTL 1 mill., and in instances, when the company operates gaming at a gaming facility (casino), LTL 4 mill. 3. The fully paid authorised and indicated in the Articles
Association capital
a company operating several types
gaming must be no less than the biggest amount
authorised capital, fixed for a specific type
game. 4. At the time
the submission
documents for a licence, the owner’s capital
the companies enumerated in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3
this Article must meet the requirements
paragraph 4,
the Law on Companies. 5. The minimum sum
money, which according to the investment procedure laid down by the Control Commission, the companies which organise gaming must invest in Government bonds and securities and in money in bank accounts, company cash register and (or) gaming machines receptacles intended for that purpose, and designated solely for paying out gaming winnings shall be as follows: 1) for one gaming table – LTL 40 thou; 2) for a gaming machine
category A – LTL 25 thou; 3) for a gaming machine
category B – LTL 300; 4) the minimum required amount
no less than 25 %
fully authorised capital, for companies which organise bingo games, totalisator, bookmaking and horse racing totalisator. Article 14. The Right
Companies - Gaming Operators to Engage in Other Economic-Commercial Activities Companies operating gaming in gaming machines hall, bingo, table games, totalisator and bookmaking shall not have the right to engage in other economic-commercial activities, except for renting
the premises in which the company operates gaming, for the commercial and economic activities stipulated in paragraph 6
this Law. Article
ficers, investigators, prosecutors or the court in accordance with the procedure prescribed by laws. 3) a separate cashing-facility for exchanging money for chips, and chips into money; 4) built-in fire-prevention system. 5) separate premises allotted by the administration
the gaming establishment (casino) for public
ficers and
ficials who exercise supervision and control
the operating
gaming.
Lithuania, provided they have been manufactured by a properly-licenced (certified) manufacturer and their types have been approved by an institution exercising control and supervision, which has been authorised by the Government, and included in the Lithuanian Register
Gaming Devices in accordance with the procedure established by the Government. 2. The winnings fund
the gaming machines
category A must comprise at least 90% and the winning fund
the gaming machines
category B at least 80%
the total stakes. 3. All
the gaming devices must be the property
the company operating gaming or may be acquired under lease with an option to buy (leasing).
this Law and the Control Commission. Certificates issued by institutions accredited in foreign states may be recognised on a decision
an institution authorised by the Government
the Republic
Lithuania.
paragraphs 5 and 6
this Article. 8. Logbooks must be filled for the gaming devices. The Control Commission shall be established the form and manner
completion thereof. Article
bingo, totalisator games or bookmaking, must register bingo, totalisator or bookmaking cards with the local tax inspectorate, except when bingo, totalisator bookmaking cards are distributed through the direct communications system. 3. Playing cards must have a logo
the gaming establishment (casino) imprinted on the back. Article 18. Gaming Regulations 1.Gaming shall be operated according to gaming regulations, which must indicate: 1) the name
the game; 2) location
gaming operation; 3) rules
gaming; 4) amount
stakes required for participation in the game: 5) maximum sum
winnings; 6) groups
winnings; 7) procedure for accumulating and winning
“jackpot” (if such is formed); 8) types
gaming cards, procedure
numbering, acquisition and returning thereof (if bingo is operated), except where bingo cards are distributed by means
a direct communication system; 9) procedure
payment
winnings; 10) procedure
submitting claim and settlement thereof.
Gaming Winnings
the gaming machine or bingo winnings may be paid out as a “jackpot.” A “Jackpot shall be won by linking tables located in the gaming establishment (casino) or automatically at the same gaming machine, or by linking the gaming machines located in the gaming establishments (casinos) belonging to the same operator. In instances when the “jackpot” is won by linking several gaming machines or tables, there must be on display in an area visible to the players: 1) an indication
the linked number
gaming machines or tables and the location where they are operating; 2) a special viewing screen, on which the sum making up the “jackpot” is constantly in view; 3) an indication
the percentage, which will be deducted from each game into the “jackpot.” 3. totalisator and bookmaking winnings shall be paid out in cash immediately upon the presentation
the winning card. Article 20. Establishment
Identity
Players 1. The gaming operator must establish the identity
persons who are exchanging at the cashing facility into cash chips amounting to over LTL 50000, according to the procedure established by the Control Commission.. 2. The gaming operator must establish the identity
persons who have won over LTL 5000, according to the procedure established by the Control Commission. 3. At the request
a player the gaming operator must issue him a certificate in the form established by the State Tax Inspectorate to substantiate the declaration
property. 4. The gaming operator must retain documents and information regarding the persons referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2
this Article, for 10 years and I to submit it only to the Control Commission and inquirers, investigators, prosecutors or the court in accordance with the procedure established by laws. 5. In accordance with the procedure established by the Government, the gaming operator must inform the local state Tax Inspectorate
the winnings and losses, if the sum
the winning or loss exceeds the amount specified in Article 2
The Law
the Republic
Lithuania “On the Declaration by The Residents
the Republic
Lithuania
the Acquisition
Valuable Property or the Other Acquired and Transferred Funds,” CHAPTER THREE ISSUING
LICENCES TO OPEN GAMING MACHINES HALLS, BINGO FACILITIES, GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS (CASINOS), SUPPLEMENTING OR AMENDING AND CANCELLATION
THE LICENCES Article 21. Issuing
Licences to open Gaming Machines Halls, Bingo Facilities, Gaming Establishments (Casinos)
the registered
fice, telephone and fax numbers, address
the gaming premises, telephone number thereof, types
games to be operated, the date
issue
licence for operating games and its number (if the permit is issued to a licenced company), the duties, name and surname
the head
the company or a person authorised by him who has filled out and signed the application, and the date on which the application has been filed. 4. The following accompanying documents and information shall be filed together with the application for a permit to open a gaming machines hall or bingo facility
gaming establishment (casino): 1) gaming regulations; 2) specifications
the gaming devices (type, modification, manufacturer, date and month
manufacture) and documents attesting the right
ownership
these, by the company seeking to obtain a permit or their acquisition under lease (leasing) with an option to buy contracts; 3) the number
gaming devices; 4) certificates indicated in paragraph 5
this Law; 5) information prescribed by the Control Commission about the premises for operating games; 6) documents, attesting the right
ownership to the premises in which the games will be operated, or a copy
contract
lease
these premises or lease with an option to buy; 7) rules setting the entrance fee into the gaming machines hall, bingo facility or gaming establishment (casino), procedure
its payment (provided a fee is charged); 8) a list
the names, surnames, personal identification numbers
the head
administration
the gaming machines hall, bingo facility or gaming establishment (casino), his deputies, finance directors and the gaming services personnel. 5. The Control Commission shall have the authority to request additional documents and information, which are required for making a decision regarding the issuance
licence, and also to request an explanation or additional information regarding the submitted data. 6. Public servants
the Control Commission shall check if the premises intended for opening
gaming machines hall, bingo facility or gaming establishment (casino), conform to the set requirements. An application for a permit to open
gaming premises must be considered within 30 calendar days from the receipt thereof. If additional documents and information is requested, the 30-day period shall be calculated anew from the filing
the additional information and explanations and corrections. The overall time period for granting a permit must not exceed 60 calendar days from the day when all the necessary documents and information were filed for the first time. 7. The permit to open a gaming machines hall, bingo facility or gaming establishment (casino) shall specify the name, code, address
the registered
fice
the company which is to operate games, telephone number, the address
the gaming premises, types
games to be operated, number
gaming devices and date
issue
the permit. 8. The Control Commission, following the issue
a licence to operate games, and a permit to open a gaming machine hall, bingo facility or gaming establishment (casino), within 5 working days after the issue
licence (permit) shall inform the Tax Police Department under the Ministry
the Interior, the territorial state tax inspectorates and territorial police agencies, on whose territory gaming is to be operated
the name, code, address
registered
fice, telephone and fax numbers, licence type, number, permit number, address
premises where games will be operated, types
games to be operated and the number
gaming devices. 9. A permit to open a gaming machines hall, bingo facility or gaming establishment (casino) hall be issued upon payment
a set state fee and shall be valid for an indefinite time period. Article
this Law, or the submitted documents do not conform to the requirements; 3) the premises where gaming machines or bingo or table games are to be operated, do not conform to the requirements; 4) the gaming devices do not conform to the requirements
this Law and those established by the Control Commission; 5) persons specified in Article 21, paragraph 4
this Law do not conform to the requirements laid down in Article 11
this Law. 2. The applicant shall be notified in writing
the decision to refuse granting a permit to open gaming facilities.
the Control Commission. Such consent shall be formalised as a supplement to the permit. 2. The company wishing to supplement the permit, shall submit to the Control Commission an application, indicating the company’s name, code address
its registered
fice, telephone and fax numbers, the address and telephone number
the gaming premises, types
games additional operation whereof is intended and the number
gaming devices, the
ficial position, name and surname
the company manager who filled and signed the application and the date
the filing
application. The application shall be accompanied by the data and documents specified in paragraph 4 (1,2,3,4)
this Law.
gaming devices or exchange them for others, it shall file an application to the Control Commission indicating the address
the premises where the gaming is operated and the number
gaming devices it wishes to reduce and the type
devices it wishes to exchange. 6. The Control Commission shall change the permit within 10 days from the receipt
the application, indicating in the permit the number and types
the remaining gaming devices. 7. The Control Commission, having supplemented or changed the permit, shall notify the Tax Police Department under the Ministry
the Interior, territorial state tax inspectorates and territorial police agencies in whose territory gaming is organised, within 5 days from supplementing or changing the permit,
the change in the number
gambling devices and indicate the name, code, address, telephone and fax numbers, permit number, address
the premises where gaming is operated, the types
games being operated, and the number
gaming devices
the company whose permit has been supplemented or changed. Article
the permit, activities related to gaming have not been started on the indicated premises; 3) a licence to organise gambling is cancelled or the licence is not reregistered; 4) it transpires that knowingly incorrect data has been supplied in the application for the licence or in other documents; 5) the premises where gaming is being organised, do not meet the requirements; 6) the lease contract concerning the premises where gaming is organised expires or the lease contract is terminated. 2. The Control Commission, having adopted a decision to revoke the permit, must send it to the licence holder, within 5 workdays
the adoption thereof.
the bookmakers’ work and procedure for the setting up
the bookmakers’. CHAPTER FOUR STATE CONTROL AND OVERSIGHT
GAMING OPERATIONS Article
the entities organising gaming. The Control Commission shall be comprised
6 persons,
which number, 2 persons each shall be appointed by the Republic President, Chairman
the Seimas and Prime Minister. The Chairman
the Control Commission shall be elected by members
the Commission from amongst themselves. An administration comprised
regular staff employees shall be established to perform the functions
the Control Commission. Its structure and personnel shall be approved by the Control Commission Chairman, without exceeding the annual compensation fund established by the Government. 2. The Government shall approve the regulations
the Commission. 3. The goal
the Control Commission is to oversee and control organisation
the gaming activities, in order to ensure the protection
the interests and rights
players and gaming operators. Article 27. Establishment and Financing
the Control Commission 1. The Government shall be the founder
the Control Commission.
Control Commission In implementing the provisions
this Law, the Control Commission shall: 1) examine documents, necessary for issuing licences for operating gaming; 2) examine documents, necessary for issuing permits to open gaming machines halls or bingo facilities or gaming establishments (casinos); 3) issue licences to organise gaming and cancel the validity thereof; 4) issue permits to open gaming machines halls or gaming establishments (casinos), supplement and correct these permits and cancel their validity; 5) oversee, how the requirements
the laws and other legal acts regulating the operation
gaming are adhered to by gaming operators; 6) draft legal acts regulating gaming operation. Article 29. Rights
the Control Commission In implementing the functions which have been assigned to it, the Control Commission, shall have the right to: 1) obtain information, which is necessary to perform control functions; 2) check, how the requirements
this Law and other legal acts, are observed in places
gaming operations; 3) check the financial activities
the companies which operate gaming; 4) request that gaming operators submit explanations regarding gaming operation; 5) set the procedure
investing into Government securities
a part
the authorised capital
the companies engaged in gaming activities; 6) establish procedure
marking gaming devices; 7) establish requirements for gaming devices; 8) establish the form
the record journals kept regarding gaming devices and the procedure
entering records there; 9) set the procedure
establishing the identity
the persons who have won more than LTL 5,000; 10) set the procedure for establishing the identity
persons who are changing cash into chips at a changing facility, whose value is greater than LTL 5,000; 11) establish as to what type
gaming to attribute a game, if it does not correspond with all
the characteristics attributed to a specific type
gaming or corresponds to characteristics established for several types
gaming; 12) decide, what financial accounting, a company operating games, should provide and what procedure should be employed in doing this; 13) apply the means
persuasion, established by this Law and other legal acts, to the companies operating games. Article 30. Audit The company operating games must, not later than within 4 months following the close
the business year, submit to the Control Commission the conclusion and report
a certified auditor regarding the annul financial statements and publicly announce financial accounts checked by a certified auditor. CHAPTER FIVE FINAL PROVISIONS Article 31. Taxation
Companies Operating Games Companies operating games shall pay taxes in accordance with the procedure established by the Law on Taxes on Gaming and other legal acts. Article 32. Liability for Violations
this Law Violation
this Law shall incur liability under laws. Article 33. Entering into Force
the Law 1. This Law with the exception
Article 34. Proposals to the Government To propose to the Government by June 1, 2001: 1) to approve rules on the licensing
gaming; 2) to approve the amount
state fees and charges payable for the issue
licences for operating games and for granting permits to open gaming machines halls, bingo facilities and gaming establishments (casinos); 3) establish the Control Commission and approve its regulations. I promulgate this Law passed by the Seimas
the Republic
Lithuania PRESIDENT
THE REPUBLIC VALDAS ADAMKUS
DI paaiškinimas pagal oficialų įstatymo tekstą. Orientacinis, nepakeičia teisinės konsultacijos.