In 2020, Lithuania's overall gaming revenue decreased by 8.1% year-on-year to €103.5 million (£90.7 million/$124.4 million), even as online gaming saw an increase amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Land-based revenue suffered a significant decline of 39.1%, falling to €43.9 million. From March to May, when strict lockdown measures were in place, the online sector thrived, with total customer spending exceeding $1 billion, a 64.3% increase from the previous year, and online revenues reaching €59.6 million.
The primary contributor to the online sector's growth was Category A slots, which saw revenues nearly double to €29.4 million due to their uncapped payouts and stakes. Despite major sporting events being halted during the pandemic's peak, sports betting still represented the second-largest revenue stream, rising 10.5% to €26.5 million, supported by stakes of €444.1 million, a 5.2% improvement from 2019. Revenue from online table games escalated, albeit from a low base, to €1.9 million while Category B slots revenue climbed 47.4% to €1.2 million.
In contrast, the land-based gaming market faced significant challenges after being forced to close from March 16 to May 17. Overall customer stakes plummeted 39.5% from the previous year, totaling €288.6 million. Category B slots, which have a maximum stake of €0.50 per spin, generated the most revenue at €20.3 million but were still down 37.9%. Table game revenue fell to €10.2 million, and Category A slot revenue decreased by 36.1% to €7.8 million. Retail sports betting's revenue was nearly halved to €5.7 million due to the shutdown and the suspension of major sports events.
Lithuania's national lottery, Olifėja, also reported a decrease in revenue for 2020. Ticket sales fell by 6.7% to €106.3 million, resulting in a revenue of €46.9 million after payouts, marking a 5.9% decline.
In response to concerns about gambling-related money laundering, the Gambling Supervision Service within the Ministry of Finance plans to introduce stricter regulatory measures. Licensed operators will be required to adopt enhanced Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, and only registered customers will be permitted to gamble at land-based venues. Additionally, the regulator has noted an increase in self-exclusion registrations. By the end of 2020, 17,348 individuals had voluntarily opted for self-exclusion from gambling activities.
