Most Popular Bookies in Lithuania

As of August 2019, there were a few licensed online sportsbook sites in Lithuania, though sports betting players still try to access international platforms that offer them a wide variety of sports and higher odds. On those international platforms, they can also claim some of the best online sports betting bonuses on the market and get many online sports betting promotions. Moreover, despite the authorities' efforts to actively block unlicensed websites, no reports of players being prosecuted have surfaced.

The history of betting in Lithuania is rather short compared to that of many other countries. Before 1992, Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union. In the USSR, all forms of betting were illegal. However, with the legalization of the Latvijas Loto in 1992, Lithuanians began enjoying legal betting on their favorite games.

Lithuania oversaw the legalization of online sports betting in 2001. This was due to the Catholic church's influence. Over time, a huge number of international and local markets have started making their way into the country’s territory. Following pressure from the European Union, the Lithuanian government amended the gambling act in 2016.

Two major pieces of legislation completely shaped the gambling scene as it exists today for Lithuanian players. The first is the Republic of Lithuania's Gambling Law, which was enacted in May 2001. With it came a new era for land-based casino gaming, which was officially legalized and overseen by the Gaming Control Authority.

Recent betting history

During the 2000s and early 2010s, sports betting sites were not popular. Yes, there were some players from Lithuania that registered and played, but the platforms were in their inception stages. In 2015, they caused a massive boom, and thousands of Lithuanian players started registering at these sites.

The government wanted to protect players and make sure that they had a pleasant and secure gaming experience, which is why it decided to act quickly. The Gaming Law was amended in 2016, and the most recent change legalized online sports betting.

Internet service providers were also instructed to block unlicensed sites. However, that system is not as effective as authorities envisioned since only the biggest illegal casino sites in Lithuania are blocked. The Gaming Control Authority was tasked with overseeing online gambling.

In 2021, all forms of gambling advertising were banned in Lithuania. Bonuses and promotions such as gifts, discounts, test games, and so on are also included. The rule went into effect on July 1, 2021.

• Basketball is a big sport among the Lithuanians. With over 3 million fans, the country has held the European basketball championship on numerous occasions. This tournament has given the online sports betting scene a huge boost in revenue over the years.

• Ice hockey competitions. Due to the extreme cold weather Lithuania experiences during the winters, Lithuanians participate in ice hockey competitions in huge numbers.

• Football competitions. Although Lithuanians are largely known for their love of basketball, they also show their love for football. Lithuanian clubs participate in competitions such as the European Champions League and the Europa League. These leagues are the major football leagues in the greater European Union. The national team is also active although it is not considered a football heavyweight.

In Lithuania, sports betting is currently allowed at licensed bookmakers. Sports betting services are provided by European bookmakers that operate under offshore licenses.

There is no ban on bookmaking in Lithuania. It is, however, key to note that the Lithuanian regulatory authority has blacklisted a number of operators over the years. Local bookmakers obtain their license from the Gaming Control Authority, which is usually subordinate to the Ministry of Finance.

Legislation on sports betting in Lithuania

Lithuania made the first move towards regulation of online sports betting in the early 2000s. Law IX-325 came into effect in 2001. This legislation introduced the legal framework for all betting activities in the country. The law was later amended in 2016. The amendment addressed online betting and a blacklist was introduced. This blacklist contained unlicensed operators in Lithuania.

The Lithuanian government established the Gaming Control Authority in 2001. The authority is responsible for the issuance of licenses to all betting operators in Lithuania. This operator's license has no expiration date.

Basketball betting is especially popular among Lithuanian players because basketball is regarded as a national sport in the country.

Betting on football is also popular among Lithuanians. With the various football leagues in Lithuania and the European Union, online betting on football is popular among Lithuanian punters.

Lithuanians are also big on athletics. With several Olympic medals, athletics in Lithuania is a big market when it comes to online sports betting.

Are online sports betting platforms legal in Lithuania?

Being a part of the European Union, only licensed online betting platforms are legal in Lithuania. However, international sports betting platforms are free to obtain licenses from the Gaming Control Authority of Lithuania.

Is cryptocurrency accepted by Lithuanian bookmakers?

Yes. Betting using cryptocurrency is not specifically regulated in Lithuania. Depending on the payment methods a bookmaker accepts, players can participate in sports betting activities using cryptocurrency.

Are player winnings taxed in Lithuania?

Not at all. Online sports betting players in Lithuania are not taxed. Players receive their winnings in full amounts. Only licensed bookmakers are subject to the government's 15 percent tax.

Do online sports betting sites accept Euros?

Yes. Due to the licensing system that exists in Lithuania, there are several companies operating specifically for the country. In this way, it is possible to find online sports betting sites accepting Euros, which allows players to be exempt from conversion fees.

What bookmakers are available in Lithuania?

There are numerous bookmakers, and each is attempting to expand its service to new countries in the hopes of gaining customers. As a player, you should first ensure that the bookmaker of your choice is licensed and regulated by the Gaming Control Authority in Lithuania. This should be done before they offer their services.

How does a player sign up for an account with an online sportsbook?

Each bookmaker has their own set of required details and documents that will be necessary before a player can look at opening an account with their service. Mostly, these details are an email address, username, password, and payment method.