Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority Casinos

Gambling has been legal in Lithuania since 2001, and players can enjoy all types of casino games at several brick-and-mortar casinos in the country.

This also applies to betting operators and online casinos, provided that the company operating a parlour or a website has applied and been issued a casino license by Lithuania’s Gaming Control Authority. This regulatory body will also block all international and foreign online casinos that try to operate in the Lithuanian market without a valid license.

History of Gambling in Lithuania

Lithuania first investigated online gambling regulation in 2010 when the government suggested the industry should be based on the Estonian model. And while preparations were in order, the Vilnius regional court decided that ISA should order ISPs to block access to unlicensed offshore sites in Lithuania. ISPs challenged Vilnius’ decision because it was ineffective, and the decision was upheld.

Then the government approved changes to the Gambling Act in 2013. The regulations were expected to be set in place in 2014, although now we know it happened 2 years later. The government proposed at this time regulations that would include restrictions such as prevention requirements and daily playtime and betting limits.

While gambling became legal in Lithuania with the passing of the Gambling Regulation way back in 2001, online gambling only became legal in 2016. However, running an online casino or betting website is only allowed if the operator owns a valid casino license issued by Lithuania’s Gaming Control Authority. Additionally, if the casino operator has no physical office in Lithuania, they must partner with a land-based casino establishment.

Pros and cons of casinos licensed in lithuania

Pros:

1. Lithuania has a strong regulatory framework in place to ensure the safety and security of players. This includes a licensing system that requires operators to meet a set of criteria in order to be approved.
2. Lithuania is a member of the European Union and is part of the Schengen Zone, allowing for easy access to the rest of Europe.
3. The gaming industry in Lithuania is well-regulated and has been in operation since 2001.
4. The country has a number of reputable online gaming operators, ensuring the safety of players and the fairness of games.
5. Lithuania is a great place to operate an online casino due to its low taxes and attractive corporate tax rates.

Cons:

1. Lithuania has a relatively small population, which means that the potential customer base for online casinos is limited.
2. Lithuanian online casinos are not as well-known or well-established as those in other countries.
3. Lithuanian law does not allow for online gambling advertising, which can make it difficult for operators to attract new customers.
4. The Lithuanian gaming market is still relatively small, so the competition for players can be fierce.
5. Some players may not feel comfortable playing in a casino licensed in Lithuania due to its lack of international recognition.

Types of Licenses and Permits

There are two general types of licenses operators can apply for in Lithuania:

• Land-based gaming licenses
• Online gambling licenses

However, multiple sub-licenses can be issued, depending on the gambling service and games operators would like to offer Lithuanian players. Lithuania has legalized 6 types of gambling:

• Machine gaming (category A and B)
• Bingo
• Table games (roulette, dice or card games)
• Totalisator
• Betting
• Remote gaming

One of the main priority trends of the Gaming Control Authority is to ensure proper activity of the institution enforcing the provisions of legal acts regulating gaming and lotteries also to ensure the results-based activity.

Main functions of the Gaming Control Authority are:

• issue and cancel gaming (both terrestrial and online) and lottery licences;
• issue permits to open gaming machine halls, bingo halls, betting and totalisator stations and gaming establishments (casinos), supplement, change and cancel such permits;
• control compliance of gaming and lottery operators with the requirements of the laws and other legal acts regulating the operation of gaming and lotteries;
• prepare draft legal acts regulating the operation of games of chance, games with gaming machines and lotteries;
• administer the Register of Gaming Devices of Lithuania.
• administer Register of Persons Restricted from Participation in Gambling.
• issue gaming machine passports, seals and special gaming machine badges, enter gaming machines in the list of gaming machines.

The administration of the Gaming Control Authority consists of 4 divisions – Licensing and Permission Division, Control Division, Division of Legislation, Staff and General Affairs and Gaming Devices Type Approval and Register Division.

How to apply for a Lithuanian Casino License?

Lithuania’s Gaming Control Authority has set a number of requirements for the applicants of its license. For example, the applicants for the license must:

• Present documented evidence of having at least 1,158 million euros worth of authorized capital
• Provide proof of having no criminal record
• Comply with Lithuania’s laws
• Provide documents certifying the conformity of the devices to the requirements set by the Control Authority

Contacts

Ukmerges Str. 222, 07157 Vilnius
Phone +370 5 233 6246
e-mail: info@lpt.lt

Problem gambling support: +370 5 233 6241; +370 5 219 6630
e-mail: pagalba@lpt.lt