Lithuania’s Gambling Market Reaches €65.7m in Q1 2026 as Online Gaming Continues to Dominate

Lithuania’s gambling industry recorded continued growth during the first quarter of 2026, with online gaming strengthening its dominance over the market while land-based operations continued to decline.

According to newly released figures from the Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority, the country’s gambling market generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €65.7m in Q1 2026, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period last year.

The latest data highlights the accelerating shift toward digital gambling in Lithuania, with online activity now accounting for the overwhelming majority of industry revenue. During the quarter, online gambling generated €50.1m in gross gaming revenue, marking a year-on-year increase of 13.5%.

As a result, digital channels represented approximately 76% of total gambling revenue during the three-month period.

In contrast, land-based gambling operators continued to struggle. Revenue from retail gambling activities fell by 11.9% year-on-year to €15.6m, underlining the widening gap between online and physical gambling formats.

Performance across different gambling verticals produced mixed results.

Online slot games and table games remained the primary growth engines for the market, collectively generating €41.2m in revenue during the quarter. That represented a substantial 25% increase compared with Q1 2025, further reinforcing the popularity of digital casino products among Lithuanian players.

However, online betting activity moved in the opposite direction. Revenue from online sports betting and related wagering products declined by almost 20% year-on-year, falling to €8.7m.

Within the land-based segment, results were similarly uneven.

Retail table games recorded moderate growth, with revenue increasing 6.5% to €3.8m during the quarter. Yet slot machine operations — traditionally one of the strongest components of the physical gambling sector — continued to weaken significantly. Revenue from land-based slot machines dropped 13% year-on-year to €10.1m.

Lithuania’s lottery market also recorded modest growth during the quarter.

Lottery ticket sales reached €40.9m, representing a 3.6% increase compared with the same period last year. At the same time, lottery payouts to players rose at a faster pace, climbing 11.2% year-on-year to €23.9m.

Alongside the latest market figures, Lithuanian authorities are continuing to advance broader gambling reform measures aimed at increasing oversight and player protection.

The Ministry of Finance has proposed new legislation that would require all individuals gambling either online or in physical venues to use a mandatory player card system.

Under the proposal, every gambling transaction would be linked to a centralized database designed to record and monitor player activity across the entire gambling sector. Authorities say the system would allow regulators to improve risk management capabilities and strengthen oversight of gambling behavior.

Officials have acknowledged that implementing the technology will be complex and technically demanding, prompting the government to include a lengthy transition period before the measures become fully operational.

The relevant provisions are currently scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2029.

The player card initiative forms part of a wider regulatory strategy being developed by Lithuanian authorities. Additional measures under consideration include stronger efforts to block illegal gambling websites operating in the country, as well as future plans to introduce gambling loss limits for players.

Together, the latest revenue figures and the government’s expanding regulatory agenda illustrate a gambling market that is increasingly digital, more heavily monitored and steadily evolving under tighter state oversight.

By fLEXI tEAM