Poker in Lithuania in 2026: A Player's Guide

Is poker legal in Lithuania in 2026?

Yes. Poker in Lithuania is a state-regulated activity. This applies to both live casino games and online rooms.

The main regulator is the Gambling Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania (Lošimų priežiūros tarnyba prie Lietuvos Respublikos finansų ministerijos). It issues licenses to operators, publishes a list of approved websites, and maintains a register of illegal platforms.

The main law is the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Gambling (Lietuvos Respublikos azartinių lošimų įstatymas). It regulates all types of gambling: land-based casinos and clubs, as well as online formats.

For players, this law means the following: before playing with a licensed operator, you have to register and undergo verification. Playing via someone else's account or on behalf of someone else is prohibited—this directly violates Lithuanian regulations. In Lithuania, KYC is not a formality imposed by a specific site, but a regulatory requirement.

Before registering, it's worth checking whether the operator is on the official list of approved sites. The Lithuanian regulator maintains a list of illegal sites, and from May 1, 2025, banks and payment providers are required to block payments to operators without Lithuanian authorization.

Recent changes in legislation

In 2025, several important changes directly affecting players came into effect in Lithuania.

Effective May 1, 2025, payment controls were tightened. Banks and payment providers are required to block transactions to unlicensed operators, checking recipients on the regulator's list.

Effective July 1, 2025, amendments to the Gambling Law came into force, tightening gambling advertising regulations. A transition period is in effect until January 1, 2028. Key restrictions:

• Outdoor advertising is generally limited to the operator's name or logo on a banner.
• Only betting advertising is permitted on TV, radio, and the internet, with restrictions on content and frequency;
• All gambling advertising must contain a warning about the risk of gambling addiction.
• The operator's name can’t be used in the branding of sports clubs or leagues.

In practice, this means that information about poker rooms is becoming less visible in Lithuanian media, while payment monitoring and identity verification requirements have grown more stringent.

Do players have to pay taxes on winnings?

According to the current Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Personal Income Tax (Lietuvos Respublikos gyventojų pajamų mokesčio įstatymas, as amended from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026), income from gambling and lotteries is classified as Class B income. This means that such income is subject to taxation.

Since 2026, Lithuania has implemented a progressive income tax system. Almost all types of income are combined into a single annual income tax, which determines the rate:

• 20% — up to ~€82,962 per year
• 25% — from ~€82,962 to ~€138,270 per year
• 32% — over ~€138,270 per year

The tax treatment of poker winnings depends on several factors, including the source of the funds, applicable thresholds, and the player's tax status. Whether tournament buy-ins or other poker-related expenses can be deducted may also vary. Before reporting substantial winnings, it is advisable to review the latest guidance issued by the Lithuanian Tax Inspectorate (VMI).

Regardless of the amount won, players should keep detailed records of deposits, withdrawals, and poker transactions. Maintaining accurate documentation can make the reporting process much easier and provide valuable support in the event of tax-related inquiries.

Online poker in Lithuania

Online poker in Lithuania is accessible through two main channels: locally licensed operators and international poker rooms. Licensed sites operate under the supervision of the national regulator, while international platforms may still be reachable from Lithuania but do not necessarily accept Lithuanian users. Players should also be aware that, since 2025, financial institutions have been required to block payments to unlicensed gambling operators. 

Licensed poker rooms in Lithuania

The regulator's official registry lists approximately ten companies licensed for remote gaming. However, only two of them offer online poker.

1. Betsson Poker is a poker product of Lošimų Strategy Grupė, UAB, which previously operated in Lithuania under the TonyBet/Betsafe brands. The brand is now known as Betsson; poker is available via the operator's website and app.
2. OlyBet Poker is the poker section of the licensed operator Olympic Casino Group Baltija. The room operates through the GGPoker Network, giving players access not only to local traffic but also to the global player pool of one of the world's largest poker networks.

International poker rooms

Beyond licensed Lithuanian operators, players can also access international poker rooms. However, the legal and regulatory status of these platforms varies and should be assessed individually, as some appear on the regulator's blacklist while others do not. Since transactions to unlicensed operators may be blocked by Lithuanian banks, many players rely on cryptocurrency as an alternative payment method. 

• 888poker is one of the oldest and most well-known poker brands in the world. Operating under a Gibraltar license, it offers a rich tournament calendar, including the 888poker LIVE series, regular cash games at all limits, generous bonuses for new players, and a user-friendly mobile app.
• PokerKing is a room on the American WPN (Winning Poker Network), targeting European players. Lithuania is not listed on the list of banned countries. The main payment methods are cryptocurrency and e-wallets. The room is known for its generous rakeback and high guarantees in MTTs.
• CoinPoker is a crypto room built on blockchain technology. Regular tournaments with guarantees and cash tables: NLH, PLO, PLO5, PLO, AoF, ShortDeck. Deposits and withdrawals are accepted only in cryptocurrency, and only high rollers undergo verification. For Lithuanian players who don't have access to banking options, CoinPoker remains one of the most accessible alternatives. 

Checklist: Key things to verify before registering at an offshore room

• Lithuania is not listed as a restricted country in the poker room's rules.
• The regulator does not blacklist the domain.
• At least one valid deposit method from Lithuania is available.
• Withdrawal terms are clear and acceptable.
• The poker room accepts Lithuanian player documents for verification.
• Support is available in a language you understand.

Why it's not as straightforward as it looks. Some well-known poker rooms, such as PokerStars, are included on the Lithuanian regulator's blacklist, which means access to their websites is officially restricted via local internet providers. At the same time, these operators do not necessarily exclude Lithuanian players from registering and playing. As a result, players often find themselves in a regulatory "gray zone," which can be difficult to navigate.

If you're unsure which poker room best suits your needs, the Worldpokerdeals support team can help you choose a platform that matches your preferences and goals.

Where to play live poker in Lithuania?

Vilnius is the country's main live poker hub. The main venue is the Olympic Casino Lietuva in Vilnius. Olympic Poker Club tournaments are held every evening.

The following poker tables are also available:

• Olympic Casino Amberton — Klaipėda
• Olympic Casino Donelaičio — Kaunas

Kaunas and Klaipėda have smaller poker scenes, but both cities still offer regular games. Before traveling, it's best to check the current schedule on OlyBet Events or the Olympic Poker Club website.

Live tournament poker is actively developing in Lithuania. Numerous poker festivals and major series are held throughout the year, with the main venue being Olympic Casino Lietuva. Regular tournaments and 24-hour cash games are also available every evening.

Tournament series and festivals in 2026:

• OlyBet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker — January 10–18, 30+ tournaments, Main Event €1,100
• OlyBet Showdown Vilnius — May 9–17, 30+ tournaments, Main Event €1,100
• The Festival Weekend Vilnius — May 28–31, Main Event €555
• OlyBet Showdown Vilnius — November 4–12, 24 tournaments, Main Event €555
• Kings of Vilnius — December 4–13, Main Event €555

Deposits and withdrawals

The availability of specific payment methods varies by poker room.

Licensed poker rooms. They typically accept Lithuanian bank cards, SEPA transfers, online banking, and popular e-wallets. Payments are processed according to standard EU rules, but it's best to check limits, fees, and withdrawal times in advance.

International poker rooms that do not hold a Lithuanian license operate in a more uncertain environment. Since May 1, 2025, payment providers have been required to screen transactions against the regulator's list and block transfers to unlicensed gambling operators. As a result, deposits made through Lithuanian banks or payment cards may be rejected even when access to the poker room itself remains available.

For players using international, unlicensed poker sites, cryptocurrency is often the only viable deposit and withdrawal method. However, it is important to keep in mind that most operators require identity verification (KYC), particularly when processing larger withdrawals.

Top Lithuanian Poker Players

Lithuania is famous on the international poker scene not only due to local tournaments but also thanks to players who regularly compete at the WPT, EPT, WSOP, and Triton. According to Hendon Mob, the top five Lithuanian players by live winnings are:

1.  Antanas Guoga — $11 295 295 
2. Matas Cimbolas — $8 129 155
3. Vladas Tamasauskas — $4 702 199
4.  Paulius Plausinaitis — $3 579 597
5. Dominykas Karmazinas — $2 685 983

Antanas "Tony G" Guoga is the most recognizable Lithuanian player in global poker. Born in Kaunas and raised in Australia, he became one of the most prominent figures in televised poker in the 2000s: his aggressive playing style and flamboyant table demeanor made him a popular figure in high-stakes games around the world. In addition to playing, he founded PokerNews, one of the largest poker media outlets.

His career includes results at the Super High Roller Bowl and Triton Poker, with his best cash of $1,389,436 at Triton Madrid in 2022. That same year, he won the largest pot in online poker history, $7,750,652, at the CoinPoker table.

Matas Cimbolas is one of the most consistent Lithuanian professionals. He won the WPT UK in 2014 and regularly reaches the final stages of major series. In 2019, he played heads-up at the WPT L.A. Poker Classic and earned $646,930.

Vladas Tamasauskas's international recognition skyrocketed after the 2023 Poker Masters: three final tables, two victories, and $506,400 in winnings. That same year, he finished third at EPT Barcelona.

Paulius Plausinaitis is best known for his online results: in 2021, he won the WSOP Circuit Online Main Event on GGPoker for $1,236,361, the largest MTT prize for a Lithuanian player at the time.

Responsible Gambling in Lithuania

Lithuania has established responsible gambling measures for players who wish to take a break from gambling or stop altogether. The Gambling Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance maintains a self-exclusion register that allows individuals to restrict their access to licensed gambling. If gambling is no longer enjoyable, players can request exclusion directly through the regulator or a licensed operator. The restrictions apply to all licensed operators.

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