The realm of online casinos and gambling in Lithuania.
Legalized since 2001, the gambling industry only saw a rise in online platforms starting in 2016. That year, remote gaming options, including online casinos, received legal recognition in Lithuania. The state regulates every entity involved in this sector, leading to the formation of the Gaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance. This authority's main task is to safeguard the rights of players engaged in activities on websites ending with the domain — .lt.
To ensure compliance with the Gaming Law, the authorities monitor both physical casinos and online gaming sites. This law has been updated to incorporate online gaming activities. To combat gambling addiction, a Self-Exclusion Register was established, allowing users to voluntarily limit their gambling participation. The Team Zeus website serves as a resource for information on Lithuania's gambling industry, offering a wealth of materials on this subject.
Licensing and Regulations Governing the Gambling Sector in Lithuania.
Established under the Ministry of Finance, the Lithuanian Gambling Control Authority is currently led by Virginijus Daukšys. By 2025, the authority plans to oversee and facilitate both online casinos and terrestrial gambling venues across Lithuania.
When Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, it began licensing gambling activities, but in 1994, real-money gaming was prohibited. It wasn't until 2001 that the gambling sector was fully legalized, having previously thrived in a shadow economy.
In Lithuania, the following types of gambling are unrestricted:
- slot machines (slots);
- lotteries and bingo;
- board and card games;
- wagering on sporting events and participation in lotteries.
Although it took substantial time to bring the industry into the open, the move benefited the state by enabling the existence of legitimate online casinos. The Catholic Church, a significant authority in Lithuania, opposed the legalization of gambling.
Despite this, strong arguments in favor of legalizing the industry led to favorable outcomes. Advocates of both land-based and online casinos highlight critical points: when gambling is prohibited, revenue from bets is diverted abroad, illegal and hazardous gambling establishments proliferate, and the tourism sector linked to gaming venues collapses. Consequently, a law was enacted in 2001 permitting gambling in physical establishments, which became effective in 2002.
Regulating Online Casinos in Lithuania.
Significant changes to online gambling regulations occurred in 2016. The government enacted stricter oversight over online casinos in Lithuania, using a similar regulatory framework that had been established in Belgium as a reference for new regulations.
Under the revised Gaming Law, online operators are required to establish an official partnership with a physical casino registered in Lithuania to operate legally. Furthermore, the company’s initial capital must exceed $1.8 million.
Licenses issued to Lithuanian casinos can be held indefinitely, although the criteria for revoking or suspending such licenses are not explicitly defined. For instance, in 2025, restrictions were implemented on promoting gambling services on platforms with a substantial underage audience (over 80%). Penalties for breaches of gambling regulations vary based on the nature, duration, and frequency of the infractions.
In addition to drafting further regulations into the law, efforts were made to compile a blacklist of online casinos that are deemed unsuitable for Lithuanian players. Sites that do not comply with established criteria, such as lack of documentation verifying association with local casinos, were blacklisted. Notable international gaming brands like Betway, Unibet, and William Hill faced restrictions. Customers experienced difficulties with fund deposits and withdrawals due to the penalties imposed on financial firms associated with illegal operations.
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The foundational document granting a company permission to engage in gambling-related activities. |
License to conduct gambling operations and authorization to offer online entertainment services. |
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The regulator |
Gaming Control Authority, operating under the Ministry of Finance of Lithuania. |
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Legislative framework |
Gaming Law effective from May 17, 2001, with the latest amendments applied from July 1, 2020, through October 31, 2021. |
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Wagering on sports events within Lithuania. |
Allowed |
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Online and land-based casinos |
Allowed |
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Lotteries |
Allowed |
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Tax rates for online activities |
Income tax of 13% |
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Penalties |
The regulatory body is accountable for overseeing illegal gambling activities. Depending on the type of violation, penalties may include fines or temporary or permanent license revocation. |
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Main language versions |
Lithuanian, English, and Russian |
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Payment systems |
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, and Neteller. |
Top Online Casinos Ranking in Lithuania.
Our specialists have compiled a list of reputable and secure online casinos that promise favorable returns for Lithuanian players. These sites offer a variety of perks such as deposit bonuses, promotional games, no-deposit gifts, and loyalty programs to users who register.
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Bonus
100%
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Play | GGBet |
800+ available games 
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The finest online casinos in Lithuania allow users to make both small and large wagers without concerns.
Slot Machines in Lithuanian Gaming Venues.
Research indicates a substantial interest in gaming slot machines of categories A (using chips) and B (using tokens instead) as of 2025. Lithuanian online casinos reflect this trend, showing high demand for various slot machine options ranging from classic fruit machines to modern 3D versions featuring innovative effects. Key factors influencing the choice of slots are volatility and return-to-player (RTP) percentages; these elements greatly affect the enjoyment and profitability of the gaming experience.
Though no domestic companies produce gambling software, several international brands operate established offices in Lithuania, including MrSlotty and Tom Horn Gaming. Online gambling enthusiasts can access gaming content from various reputable developers.
- EGT;
- NetEnt;
- Greentube;
- Playtech;
- NextGen;
- Microgaming.
Evolution Gaming and PlayTech lead the market in providing Live dealer software solutions.
In Lithuania, slot machines rank second in popularity only to lottery games, with Viking Lotto and Teleloto leading the pack. This is followed by traditional table games such as roulette, poker, and blackjack. Notably, Live casino games are significantly more sought after than virtual simulations.
Financial Transactions in Lithuania’s Online Casinos.
For residents, conducting financial transactions in euros at online casinos offers a seamless experience, given that it’s the national currency. This eliminates the need for currency exchange, allowing for straightforward deposits and withdrawals without additional fees.
The choice of payment systems is also vital. Lithuanians generally prefer to use payment services that are well-established and commonly used within the country.
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Electronic Payment System |
Currencies |
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Visa |
EUR, USD, CAD, and others |
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Mastercard |
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Maestro |
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PaySera |
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LUMINOR |
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TransferWise |
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REVOLUT |
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Satchel |
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ViaLet |
Principles of Responsible Gaming
Individuals aged 18 and older are permitted to gamble at both land-based and online casinos in Lithuania. In May 2021, a proposal was introduced that would prohibit individuals under 21 from participating in land-based gambling. Garnering majority support suggests that this change may eventually extend to online gambling as well.
Players engaging in online slots for real money in Lithuania have the option to formally request a self-exclusion from all gambling establishments. If signs of addiction are recognized, they can reach out to the Control Service:
- Applications can be submitted through the Electronic Government Gateway portal. Upon accessing the site, users can complete a form that requires their input.
- Individuals may also finalize the self-exclusion process in person at Ukmergės g. 222, Vilnius, 07157.
Users have the right to seek assistance from the administration of the online casino at which they play. Their self-exclusion request must specify the desired length of abstaining from gambling (at least six months); otherwise, a standard period of 24 months will be enforced.
To adhere to responsible gaming principles, substantial advertising restrictions are in place for gambling establishments. For instance, advertisements for no-deposit casinos in Lithuania must not include audio, video, or text elements—only the brand name, website name, and list of services may be displayed on the promotional materials.
Numerous organizations exist in Lithuania dedicated to assisting individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Some of these include:
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The Lithuania Gambling Control Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Finance. |
Address: Ukmergės g. 222, 07157 Vilnius Phone number: 8 (5) 233 6246 E-mail: [email protected] |
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The Republican Vilnius Psychiatric Hospital. |
Address: Parko g. 21, LT-11205 Vilnius Phone number: +370 5 267 14 51 E-mail: [email protected] |
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Relatives Support Group |
Address: Ukmergės g. 222, Vilnius (4 aukštas) Phone number: 8 (5) 233 6246 E-mail: [email protected] |
Top Physical Casinos to Visit in Lithuania
While online gaming offers a wide variety of games and features, it simply cannot replicate the unique ambiance found in traditional casinos. Among the favorites for locals in Lithuania are:
- Olympic Casino Rio in Panevėžys operates every day from noon until midnight. It boasts 30 slot machines alongside three tables for various card games including poker, blackjack, and American roulette. It also features a progressive Mystery Jackpot for players.
- The OlyBet Babilonas slot machine salon combines elements of a sports betting venue with a casino, offering both slot machines and table games for an enjoyable experience.
- Admiral Club in Panevėžys is equipped with slot machines, roulette simulators, and authentic board games. It has regular gaming areas as well as a VIP room where high-stakes players frequently engage.
- Unigames Casino in Siauliai Lyros is part of a popular chain of casinos across Lithuania. It offers an extensive selection of over a hundred slots and tables dedicated to various versions of roulette, poker, and blackjack.
- Unigames Casino in Anyksciai A. Baranausko may appear unremarkable in terms of architecture, yet it provides top-notch service and a luxurious gaming experience. Additionally, there are dining and bar facilities for visitors.
The Olympic casino network is the leading force in the Lithuanian gaming industry, having established the country’s first physical casinos.
Conclusions
In Lithuania, slot machines outperform traditional one-armed bandits, with the online gaming sector showing significant growth. In 2020, thanks to recent regulations, online gambling platforms contributed an additional €17.5 million to the national budget compared to the previous year, whereas land-based casinos only saw an increase of €1.1 million.
The gambling industry in Lithuania is thriving and developing steadily. The online market, in particular, is witnessing an increase in demand. Consequently, various measures are in place to safeguard players against gambling addiction. It's crucial to thoroughly review any casino's website before registering to avoid difficulties with deposits or withdrawals.