Gambling Age In Liechtenstein

Minimum Age: 18

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Liechtenstein, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 18. This applies to land-based casinos and lotteries, as per the Law on Games of Chance and Casinos, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal and regulated in Liechtenstein, with four casinos operating since 2017, primarily in Vaduz, catering to tourists from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. These venues offer slots, poker, and table games, requiring ID checks at entry to enforce the 18-year-old age limit, capitalizing on cross-border gambling tourism.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is currently unregulated in Liechtenstein, with no local licensing framework or issued licenses. Residents can access offshore gambling sites, which are not blocked but operate outside Liechtenstein’s jurisdiction, leaving players without legal protections. The government has not yet developed regulations for online gambling, focusing instead on land-based operations.

Regulation and Oversight: The Office of Economic Affairs regulates gambling in Liechtenstein under the Law on Games of Chance and Casinos (Spielbankengesetz) of 2010. It oversees casino licensing and compliance, ensuring fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and social responsibility. The absence of online gambling regulation reflects Liechtenstein’s cautious approach to expanding gambling activities.

Enforcement and Penalties: Liechtenstein enforces its gambling regulations strictly for land-based operations. Casinos face inspections to ensure age verification compliance. Violations, such as allowing underage gambling, lead to fines or license revocation. Unauthorized gambling activities are prohibited, and players engaging in underage gambling may face fines, though online gambling enforcement remains limited due to the lack of regulation.