Bruce Dias 
Online betting in Lithuania has seen rapid growth over the last decade, fueled by digital transformation, changing consumer behavior, and a strong regulatory foundation. Whether you’re a casual bettor or considering launching a gambling business in Lithuania, understanding the legal framework surrounding online betting is essential.
The Legal Framework: Who Regulates It?
Online gambling โ including sports betting, casino games, and lotteries โ is fully legal and regulated in Lithuania. The authority responsible for overseeing all gambling activities, both online and offline, is the Gaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance (Lithuanian: Loลกimลณ prieลพiลซros tarnyba).
Established to ensure the integrity of the gambling market, this regulatory body issues licenses monitors compliance, blocks illegal operators, and protects consumer rights.
Licensing Requirements for Operators
For an operator to legally offer online betting services to Lithuanian customers, it must obtain a remote gambling license. There are currently two types of licensing options:
- Traditional License โ Requires a physical presence in Lithuania, usually through a land-based gambling venue.
- Online-Only License โ Introduced on July 1, 2022, this allows international operators to legally enter the Lithuanian market without needing a brick-and-mortar location.
The cost of an online-only license is โฌ500,000, and it is issued indefinitely, assuming the operator complies with all legal obligations and taxation.
In addition to this licensing fee, operators must also meet strict operational, financial, and ethical standards. This includes data protection compliance, responsible gambling tools (such as deposit limits and self-exclusion), and anti-money laundering procedures.
Protection Against Illegal Operators
To safeguard the legal market and protect consumers, Lithuania has taken a firm stance against unlicensed gambling platforms. The Gaming Control Authority maintains a regularly updated blacklist of illegal websites, and access to these sites is blocked by ISPs.
Moreover, financial institutions are required to block transactions between Lithuanian residents and these blacklisted operators. Since the beginning of this initiative in 2016, over 1,800 gambling websites have been blocked.
If players are found to be participating on illegal platforms, they could potentially face legal consequences โ though the primary enforcement focus is on unauthorized operators rather than individual users.
Responsible Gambling and Player Protections
Lithuania is taking a more proactive approach to responsible gambling. Operators must provide tools to promote healthy gambling behavior, including:
- Reality checks
- Deposit and loss limits
- Cooling-off periods
- Permanent self-exclusion
Additionally, players can voluntarily register on a national self-exclusion list, which bars them from all licensed gambling platforms for a chosen period. Operators are legally obligated to respect these requests and deny access to self-excluded users.
Upcoming Changes in 2025
A major reform is on the horizon. Starting July 1, 2025, Lithuania will implement stricter regulations to curb problem gambling, especially among youth. The key changes include:
- Raising the minimum legal gambling age from 18 to 21 years
- Complete ban on gambling advertising, including online and TV ads
- Limited exceptions for sports sponsorships, which are permitted until 2028
These changes are part of Lithuaniaโs broader strategy to foster a safer gambling environment, reduce addiction risks, and de-glamorize gambling in public media.
Taxation on Winnings
For individual players, gambling winnings are generally tax-exempt if the game is operated by a licensed provider in Lithuania or another EU/EEA country. However, if winnings come from unlicensed or illegal platforms, they may be subject to taxation and reporting obligations.
Operators, on the other hand, are subject to a gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax โ typically around 18%, though this can vary depending on the type of gambling.
Conclusion: Is It Safe to Bet Online in Lithuania?
Yes โ online betting in Lithuania is legal, safe, and well-regulated. However, it is crucial to ensure you’re using a licensed operator approved by the Gaming Control Authority so for example to choose betting at Twinsbetย would be safe. These platforms offer better protection, comply with consumer safety laws, and contribute to the legal economy through taxes.
With further reforms coming in 2025, Lithuania is positioning itself as one of the more mature and responsible gambling markets in the EU. Whether you’re a casual player or a future investor in the sector, staying informed on the evolving legal landscape is key to a safe and successful experience.
