Gambling Laws in Lithuania

Lithuania's gambling laws are permissive and as a result, most activities are legal in the country. Operators are required to obtain the relevant licensing to be able to offer their services to residents.

The first gambling activity to be legalised was the lottery, with the rest only following some ten years later.

Lithuania: Which Types of Gambling Are Legal?

The 2001 Gaming Law made all forms of gambling in the country legal, except for the lottery which was permitted in 1992. An amendment was implemented in 2016, legalising online gambling.

Lithuania's gambling activities are subject to the country's licensing laws which are implemented by the Gaming Control Authority.

In-Person and Online Casino Game Betting

Casino gambling has been legal in Lithuania since 2001. There are 17 venues, most of which are attached to hotels and are located within the capital city, Vilnius. There are also more than 100 dedicated slot halls with many pubs hosting machines.

Online casino gambling has been legal since 2016. Initially, those wishing to operate had to be partnered with an existing licensed land-based venue. However, this rule was relaxed in 2021 to allow operators to obtain a license in their own right. That said, only a few online gambling sites serve the population due to its relatively small size. Those operating without a licence are blocked by ISPs.

Playing Real Money Poker

Offline games were made legal in 2001 and online poker was permitted in 2016. There isn't much demand though and only a few of the larger licensed casinos offer tables.

Those wishing to play online poker don't have much choice regarding licensed sites. Although the activity is legal, the market is so small that operators tend not to bother applying for a license.

Bingo Gambling

Offline bingo has been legal in Lithuania since 2001, but the game isn't very popular. There are a small number of standalone halls, with the occasional games running at some of the larger casinos under licence. Similarly, online bingo gambling is legal but again isn't very popular, and no licensed sites currently offer it to residents.

Lotto, Keno, Scratchcards and Instant Win Games

The national lottery was the first form of legalised gambling in Lithuania. The 2003 Law on Lotteries only permits Olifeja to run draws though. The company also offers scratchcards, keno and sports betting at numerous retail locations. Residents can also legally play online lottery games for real money via the Olifeja website and mobile app.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Lithuania's current regulations do not mention social sites such as play money casinos, loot boxes or skins gambling. It is legal though to play poker and other card games within private residences.

Laws recognise that virtual coins are a unit of value, but they are not regarded as legal tender in the country. Therefore none of the existing casinos or slot halls operating can accept cryptos. Residents wishing to play online can do so at the various crypto casinos that accept members from Lithuania though.

Lithuania Sports Betting Laws: What's the Deal?

Betting on sports via local retailers and bookmakers has been legal since 2001, with operators required to hold a licence. Although Olifeja offers various betting opportunities, other companies can apply for a licence too.

Online sports betting is also legal in Lithuania and has been since 2016. Fantasy sports and virtual sports betting are not specifically mentioned in the current gambling legislation though.

Lithuanian Minimum Gambling Age

The general legal age is 18 but to enter casinos or participate in online gambling, players must be 21 or over.

Gambling Tax Regulations - Are Residents Liable To Pay?

Regulations are set by the country's Lottery and Gambling Tax law, which dictates that operators pay based on their services. For example, the country's national lottery pays a 5% tax on ticket value, while bingo and sports betting operators pay 18% on net profits. 

Operators of gambling machines pay a monthly fee of between €130 and €260, while those running tables pay €2,300 per month. Online gambling site operators must pay a 13% tax on net profits, which is relatively low compared to other European jurisdictions. For players, winnings are counted as income and taxed accordingly.

History of Gambling Laws in Lithuania

Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, which resulted in all forms of gambling being made illegal. However, it was the first country to regain its independence in 1990 and in 1992, Lithuania's national lottery was launched. This remained the only legal form of gambling for almost ten years until the 2001 Gaming Law was enacted, making all other activities legal under license.

The Gaming Law was amended in 2016 to legalise online gambling. At the time only those operating in partnership with existing licensed land-based venues were allowed to apply for a licence. This contravened EU laws of fair competition, so the legislation was amended in 2021.

Key Facts

• Casino gambling is legal in Lithuania, including at licensed casinos and slot halls. Online casino gambling is also permitted but only at licensed platforms.

• Poker and bingo gambling are legal, with operators required to hold a licence - but few venues/sites exist.

• Lottery gambling is legal with Olifeja running a monopoly on offline and online games.

• Sports betting is legal in Lithuania, with Olifeja offering markets and other companies also permitted to do so under licence.