Regulatory AuthorityGaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Regulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
Gambling in Lithuania is legal but strictly regulated, with oversight by the Gaming Control Authority.
From 2025, the legal gambling age will be raised from 18 to 21 for all gambling activities.
A near-total ban on gambling advertising will be phased in from July 2025, with full sponsorship bans by 2028.
Only licensed operators on the government’s whitelist can legally offer gambling and process payments.
Unlicensed gambling ads and incentives, including promotions and gifts, are strictly prohibited.
Operators must provide detailed transaction recipient information to help authorities track gambling payments.
Penalties for illegal gambling activities have increased, with fines now over ten times higher than before.
Technical Compliance Assistance
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The principal legal framework governing gambling in Lithuania is established by the Law on Gambling of the Republic of Lithuania. This core statute comprehensively regulates all forms of gambling, including land-based casinos, betting, lotteries, and online gambling. The law defines permitted gambling activities, sets the requirements for operation, and establishes the rules for consumer protection and responsible gambling. Amendments to this law are periodically introduced to address emerging regulatory needs, such as advertising restrictions and measures against illegal gambling.
Law on Gambling of the Republic of Lithuania – the main legislative act regulating gambling activities
Law on Lotteries of the Republic of Lithuania – specifically governs the organization and operation of lotteries
Amendments to the Law on Gambling – introduce new provisions, such as advertising restrictions and enhanced consumer protection measures
Regulatory Authority
The primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing and enforcing gambling legislation in Lithuania is the Gaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania. This authority supervises compliance with gambling laws, monitors licensed operators, and implements regulatory measures aimed at ensuring the integrity of the gambling sector and protecting consumers.
Supervises compliance with the Law on Gambling and related regulations
Monitors and controls both land-based and online gambling activities
Implements enforcement actions against illegal gambling operations
Develops and proposes regulatory amendments to strengthen the legal framework
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Lithuania
Land-Based Casino License: Required for operating physical casinos offering table games and slot machines.
Land-Based Gaming Machine Hall License: For establishments operating slot machines outside of full casinos.
Land-Based Betting Shop License: Needed for retail outlets offering sports and other betting services.
Land-Based Totalizator (Pari-Mutuel) License: For venues offering pool betting, typically on horse racing or sports.
Remote (Online) Gambling License: Covers online casinos, betting, and other interactive gambling activities.
Application Process and Duration
Applications must be submitted to the Gaming Control Authority (LPT), the national regulator for gambling activities.
The application includes providing detailed company information, proof of financial stability, business plans, and compliance documentation.
Applicants must demonstrate a clean legal record for both the company and its executives.
For online gambling, only companies with a physical presence and at least one operational land-based gambling venue in Lithuania are eligible to apply.
The review process involves thorough background checks and can take several months, depending on the complexity of the application and completeness of submitted documents.
Licenses are generally granted for an indefinite period but are subject to ongoing compliance and regular reviews by the regulator.
Renewal Conditions
Licenses do not have a fixed expiry date but require operators to maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Periodic audits and reviews are conducted by the Gaming Control Authority to ensure ongoing eligibility.
If significant changes occur within the company (e.g., ownership, management, or business model), notification and possible re-approval by the regulator are required.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Licensing fees are set by the government and have recently increased as part of stricter regulatory measures.
Operators must pay an initial application fee as well as annual license maintenance fees, which vary depending on the type of gambling activity.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial reserves and provide evidence of solvency to cover player winnings and operational costs.
Additional financial guarantees or deposits may be required, especially for online operators.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Applicants must have a registered company in Lithuania and, for online gambling, at least one land-based operation in the country.
Strict background checks are conducted on company owners, directors, and key personnel to ensure integrity and prevent criminal involvement.
Operators must implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling measures, including age verification and self-exclusion tools.
Detailed record-keeping and regular reporting to the Gaming Control Authority are mandatory.
Operators must only use approved payment methods and comply with restrictions on payment processing for unlicensed operators.
Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can result in suspension or revocation of the license and significant financial penalties.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Lithuania
Lithuania imposes different tax rates on gambling operators depending on the type of gambling activity. The main forms of gambling subject to taxation are land-based casinos, slot machine halls, betting shops, totalizators, and remote (online) gambling.
Type of Gambling
Tax Basis
Tax Rate
Land-based casinos (table games)
Fixed annual fee per table
EUR 52,000 per table per year
Slot machines (land-based)
Fixed annual fee per machine
EUR 2,600 per slot machine per year
Betting shops & totalizators (land-based)
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
18% of GGR
Remote (online) gambling
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
18% of GGR
Basis for Taxation
For land-based casinos and slot machine halls, taxation is based on a fixed annual fee per gaming table or per slot machine.
For betting, totalizators, and all forms of remote (online) gambling, taxation is based on a percentage of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is defined as the difference between the total amount wagered and the winnings paid out to players.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Gambling operators are required to submit regular tax returns to the Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate (VMI).
For GGR-based taxes (betting, totalizators, online gambling), returns are typically filed monthly, with payment due by the 15th day of the following month.
For fixed annual fees (casinos, slot machines), payment is generally due in advance for the full year, with reporting obligations as specified in the relevant regulations.
Operators must maintain accurate records of all gambling transactions and make these available to tax authorities upon request.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no significant tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators in Lithuania.
All licensed operators are subject to the same tax rates and procedures, regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign entities.
No reduced rates or special provisions apply to specific types of games or promotional activities.
The Lithuanian gambling tax system is designed to ensure transparency and compliance, with strict reporting and payment deadlines and no preferential treatment for any operator category.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for all forms of gambling in Lithuania is 21 years old. Operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing participation in gambling activities. This verification process ensures that underage individuals are strictly prevented from accessing gambling services. Enhanced identification checks are mandatory, with operators responsible for confirming the authenticity of provided documents and maintaining records of player identities.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
Gambling with unlicensed operators is strictly prohibited. Only operators included on the government’s official “white list” are permitted to offer gambling services to Lithuanian residents.
Financial transactions, including credit and debit card payments, to unauthorized gambling operators are blocked by financial institutions.
Advertising or promoting gambling to individuals under 18 is strictly forbidden.
Operators are not allowed to encourage participation in gambling through promotions, discounts, gifts, or similar incentives that could be seen as inducements.
From January 1, 2028, all forms of sponsorship by gambling companies—including sponsorship of public events, activities, or individuals—will be banned.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
There is a near-total ban on gambling advertising being phased in, with significant restrictions effective from July 1, 2025.
Until the end of 2027, gambling ads are permitted on TV, radio, and online platforms but must comply with strict content and placement rules.
All gambling advertisements must include clear responsible gambling warnings.
Advertising on websites or platforms targeting individuals under 18 is prohibited.
It is forbidden to use advertising methods that encourage gambling participation, such as operator-hosted events, test gambling, or offering bonuses and gifts.
From January 1, 2028, all sponsorship activities by gambling operators will be completely prohibited.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Operators must implement robust responsible gambling policies, including providing information and tools for players to manage their gambling behavior.
Self-exclusion options must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary.
Comprehensive record-keeping and reporting standards are enforced to ensure transparency and facilitate regulatory oversight.
Operators must prioritize player well-being and are subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and higher penalties for non-compliance.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Only licensed gambling venues are permitted to operate within Lithuania. Unlicensed venues are strictly prohibited.
Online gambling services may only be offered by operators holding a valid Lithuanian license and listed on the official “white list.”
Physical gambling venues must comply with zoning and location requirements as set by local authorities, ensuring they are not situated near schools or other sensitive locations.
Gambling Regulatory Consultation
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
2001
Adoption of the first comprehensive Gambling Law, establishing the legal framework for land-based gambling in Lithuania.
2003
Establishment of the Gaming Control Authority as the main regulatory body overseeing gambling activities.
2016
Legalization and regulation of online gambling, allowing licensed operators to offer online betting and casino games.
2019
Introduction of stricter measures against illegal gambling, including enhanced site blocking and enforcement actions.
2021
Implementation of a ban on all gambling advertising on TV, radio, and online during daytime hours to protect vulnerable groups.
2024
Proposal and drafting of amendments to further restrict gambling advertising and increase penalties for illegal operations.
2025 (May 1)
New amendments enter into force, including raising the legal gambling age to 21 and stricter controls on financial transactions with unlicensed operators.
2025 (July 1)
Start of a two-phase near-total ban on gambling advertising, with full restrictions to be implemented by the end of 2027.
2028 (January 1)
Ban on all sponsorships of public events, activities, or individuals by gambling companies comes into effect.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gambling software and gaming systems must be certified by accredited testing laboratories recognized by the Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority. Certification ensures compliance with technical standards for randomness, fairness, and security.
Operators are required to implement technical solutions that guarantee the integrity and transparency of gaming operations, including secure random number generators (RNGs) and robust player account management systems.
Gaming systems must be capable of providing real-time data access to the regulator for monitoring and auditing purposes.
Technical documentation, including system architecture, software versions, and change logs, must be maintained and made available to the regulator upon request.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements
Operators must comply with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Lithuanian data protection laws, ensuring the confidentiality and security of player data.
All personal and transactional data must be encrypted in transit and at rest, using industry-standard cryptographic protocols.
Data storage and processing servers must be physically located within the European Economic Area (EEA) or in jurisdictions with adequate data protection standards as recognized by the EU.
Operators are required to implement access controls, regular security audits, and incident response procedures to safeguard sensitive information.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must establish robust AML programs in line with EU directives and Lithuanian law, including risk-based customer due diligence and ongoing monitoring of transactions.
KYC procedures require the verification of player identity, age, and source of funds before allowing participation in gambling activities. This includes collecting and verifying government-issued identification and proof of address.
Suspicious transactions must be identified, documented, and reported to the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FCIS) without delay.
Operators must maintain comprehensive records of all AML and KYC checks, including transaction histories and communication logs, for a minimum period as specified by law.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
Operators are required to submit regular financial reports to the Gaming Control Authority, detailing all gaming revenues, payouts, and player balances.
All financial statements must be prepared in accordance with recognized accounting standards and be subject to independent external audits.
Operators must maintain detailed records of all gaming transactions, player activity, and financial flows for a minimum period as mandated by Lithuanian law, typically at least five years.
Systems must be in place to ensure the traceability of all funds and to prevent unauthorized transactions, including automated alerts for unusual financial activity.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must integrate responsible gambling tools into their platforms, including self-exclusion options, deposit and loss limits, and reality checks for players.
Technical solutions must allow players to set personal limits and self-exclude from gambling activities, with immediate effect and without undue delay.
Systems must be capable of monitoring player behavior to detect signs of problem gambling and trigger automated interventions, such as notifications or temporary account suspensions.
All responsible gambling features must be clearly accessible, user-friendly, and available across all platforms (web, mobile, retail terminals).
Operators are required to provide real-time data to the regulator regarding the use and effectiveness of responsible gambling tools.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
