Remote Gambling Generates 78% of Lithuanian Sector Revenue in First Half

The Lithuanian gambling sector recorded strong revenue growth during the first half of 2026, expanding by 16.8 per cent year-on-year behind a sustained surge in remote gambling activity.

Data published on Thursday by Lithuania’s Gambling Supervision Authority (LPT) showed total market gross gaming revenue (GGR)—defined as total stakes minus winnings paid out—reached €153.6m during the six-month period, up from €131.5m in the first half of 2025.

Digital operations accounted for roughly 78 per cent of total market revenue. Remote operators generated €119.9m in GGR, representing a 25 per cent year-on-year increase. Conversely, revenue at land-based venues fell five per cent over the same period to €33.7m.

Lottery Growth and State Tax Yield

The lottery segment also expanded, with ticket turnover rising 8.6 per cent to €87.73m. Payouts to players grew by 10.5 per cent to €49.29m, leaving total lottery GGR at €38.44m—a 6.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Two private companies operated the country's major lotteries as of 30 June 2026.

Tax contributions from the gambling and lottery sectors rose 11.4 per cent year-on-year to €46.43m. Land-based and online gambling operators contributed €30.67m of the total tax yield, while lottery operators paid €15.76m into the state budget.

As of mid-year, 12 closed joint-stock companies held operational gambling licences in Lithuania, though total physical venues and gaming machines contracted slightly compared to the first half of 2025.

Online Product Performance and Proposed Monitoring

Performance within the remote gambling sector varied significantly across product lines. Remote Category A slot machines remained the primary revenue driver, generating €85.7m in GGR—a 33 per cent increase year-on-year. Remote table games GGR rose 34 per cent to €12.3m, while physical table games remained steady at €7.7m.

By contrast, remote Category B slot machines experienced a sharp drop in revenue, falling 63 per cent to €424,800.

The reporting figures follow a regulatory proposal introduced earlier this year by Lithuania’s Ministry of Finance to implement mandatory physical "player cards" across both online and retail environments. Set for introduction on 1 January 2029, the system would require every customer to hold a registered card to allow state authorities to monitor deposits, winnings, and betting activity across all licensed operators.

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