Exploring the Online Gambling Market in Lithuania
As part of the Baltic States, Lithuania is a gambling-friendly country with a growing number of gamblers at land-based casinos and online casino sites. The country’s gambling history can be traced back to 1992, when Lithuania left the Soviet Union, where most gambling activities were prohibited. Since the introduction of the 2001 Gaming Law and the Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority (GCA), many forms of gambling have become popular. Players can visit bingo halls, brick-and-mortar casinos, betting shops, and online casinos for real money gambling. Lotteries are also legal in Lithuania.
Operator Licences and Gambling Regulations in Lithuania
Lithuania has a robust legal framework for regulating operators offering land-based and online gambling services. The Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating casinos. Licensed online casinos must follow strict rules set by the gaming authority to prevent underage gambling, safeguard players, and protect financial transactions. The GCA’s measures to protect players include requiring internet service providers to block access to unlicensed offshore sites. Here is a summary of the country’s gambling laws and player protection measures.
- Lotteries became legal in 1992.
- The 2001 Gaming Law was introduced to regulate casino games, sports betting, bingo halls, and other forms of gambling.
- Lithuania introduced the National Self-Exclusion Register in 2016 to protect players and promote responsible gambling.
- Gaming Law revisions from 2020 to 2022 require operators (including international companies) to obtain licences from the Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority.
- With the new law, operators are not required to operate physical gambling establishments to apply for a licence.
- Players must be at least 21 years of age to gamble legally in Lithuania.