Legality of Online Gambling in Lithuania
Online gambling in Lithuania is fully legal, but only through operators licensed by the national Gambling Supervisory Authority. Since the 2016 amendment to the Gambling Law, all platforms offering online betting, casino games, or interactive lotteries to Lithuanian players must obtain a local license. The system is clear and actively enforced. Unlicensed sites are regularly blacklisted, internet service providers are ordered to block access, and financial institutions are instructed to prevent transactions to these domains. This creates a tightly controlled market where compliance is mandatory.
However, the law targets operators, not players. Individuals who access offshore casinos are not penalized or criminalized. There are no fines or legal consequences for Lithuanians who choose to play on international platforms. This results in a quiet gap between regulation and behavior. Some users still access foreign casinos that are not licensed in Lithuania, often drawn by more generous bonuses, larger game libraries, faster withdrawals, or support for alternative payment options such as crypto.
The Role of the State and the Structure of the Market
Licensed operators in Lithuania are allowed to offer online slots, table games, live casino experiences, sports betting, and more. They must provide interfaces in Lithuanian, process payments in EUR, and meet strict requirements related to responsible gambling, player verification, and technical security. The legal framework is designed to ensure consumer protection while allowing private companies to participate in a competitive and regulated market.
Despite these protections, many users still compare licensed Lithuanian platforms to their offshore counterparts. Local platforms often offer fewer slot titles, limited bonuses, and longer withdrawal times. Improvements are ongoing, but gaps remain in flexibility, mobile optimization, and user experience. Some players prioritize features that domestic sites currently do not match.
Licensed vs. Offshore: A Practical Comparison
| Metric | Licensed Lithuanian Casino | Offshore Casino |
|---|
| Number of Slot Games | 300–800 | 2,000+ |
| Average RTP (%) | 94–96% | 96–98% |
| Max Bonus Size (EUR) | €100–€200 | €500+ |
| Wagering Requirements | 30x–40x | 0x–35x |
| Languages Available | Lithuanian only | Lithuanian + others |
| Mobile Optimization | Functional | Advanced / App-based |
| Cryptocurrency Support | No | Yes |
| Withdrawal Speed (Avg.) | 1–3 business days | Instant–24 hours |
Can Lithuanians Play at Offshore Casinos?
Yes. Lithuanian law does not prohibit citizens from accessing or playing at international online casinos. Players face no legal risks or penalties for registering, depositing, or withdrawing funds from these sites. The restrictions apply only to the operators, not the end users. That said, access to many unlicensed platforms is actively blocked at the infrastructure and payment level, and the list of blacklisted domains is regularly updated.
Still, many foreign casinos continue to serve Lithuanian users despite these measures. They offer full support in Lithuanian, accept EUR, and often provide more generous terms. From the player’s perspective, the decision often comes down to practical factors like payout speed, bonus value, and overall platform quality.
Logic, Not Coercion
The Lithuanian system is based on structure, not force. Players are not punished- they are guided. The state supports legal options and encourages responsible gaming, but individuals ultimately decide where and how they want to play. And when legal platforms underperform in value or user experience, rational users may turn to alternatives that better reflect their preferences. Until every licensed platform matches the full range of player expectations, offshore access will remain a quiet but ongoing part of the Lithuanian online gambling landscape.