Gambling Laws in Latvia

Home to the live casino game studios of leading providers like Playtech and Evolution, Latvia takes quite a permissive approach to gambling. The current regulations generally allow most types though there are some exceptions.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in Latvia?

The Gambling and Lotteries Law made gambling legal in 1998, with amendments making online gambling legal in 2006. Operators are required to hold a licence, which can be obtained from the Latvia Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection.

Wagering on Online and In-person Casino Games

Casino gambling has been legal since 1998. Venues in the country consist of 5 proper land-based casinos, most of which are located in the capital Riga. There are also numerous slot halls dotted around, either individually or within bars.

Online casinos were permitted in 2006 with operators needing to obtain the relevant licensing to offer their services. This process is fairly simple which means there are plenty of online gambling sites which offer a plethora of slots and live casino games.

Latvia takes a strict stance regarding gambling at unlicensed sites. Players who are found registering at these can face a fine of €350 for each visit plus any taxes due on the winnings. Since 2020, ISPs and financial institutions have been obliged to pass on the details of those caught playing on these platforms.

Playing Poker With Real Money

In-person poker gambling has been legal in Latvia since 1998. Surprisingly it isn't very popular in the country, despite at least 2 Latvian professional players with earnings over $1 million. Residents can enjoy the game at one of the country's five casinos though there are no standalone halls. Since 2006, online poker has been legal but once again isn't that popular with residents.

Bingo Gambling

Bingo has been legal since 1998, with games played as a secondary activity at many of the country's slot halls. Unlike the monopoly situation of the lottery in Latvia, other companies besides Latvijas Loto can apply for a licence to offer the game. Online bingo gambling is also legal, with regulations permitting the activity since 2006.

Purchasing Lottery Tickets, Scratchcards and Other Instant Win Games

Lottery gaming is legal. While the country's national lotto is a monopoly by Latvijas Loto, smaller local draws can be run by any company if they hold a valid licence. Residents looking to play online lottery games for real money can do so via Latvijas Loto's website, which also offers keno, bingo, and scratchcards.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Gambling with friends in private residences is legal as long as commercial profits such as rake and fees aren't being generated. Borderline activities such as loot boxes and skins gambling are not specifically mentioned. Social sites and apps which permit members to play online casino slots for free are legal.

Unlike other countries in the region, Latvia has officially recognised Bitcoin as a currency. The law also changed to allow tax to be charged on the crypto coin. That means the country's licensed casinos can accept Bitcoin as a method of payment. Latvians can also play online casino games using various virtual currencies at licensed crypto casinos.

Sports Betting in Latvia - Is It Legal?

Yes, and this activity has been legal since 1998 with 11 licensed bookmakers serving the country. Latvia's national sport, ice hockey is the most popular choice with punters, followed closely by football.

Online sports betting has been permitted in Latvia since 2006, with operators required to hold a licence to offer their services to residents.

Fantasy sports betting isn't specifically mentioned in current Latvia gambling regulations.

Latvian Minimum Age to Gamble

Latvia's casinos have a voluntary minimum age for entry of 21 though the legal gambling age in the country is 18.

Gambling Tax Regulations: Do Residents of Latvia Pay?

Tax regulations dictate that most offline forms of gambling are subject to a rate based on the number of tables or machines in operation. For example, there's a tax charge of €28,080 per roulette wheel/card machine with all other gambling machines charged at €5,172 per machine per year.

Lottery game operators are charged a 10% tax on ticket sales, and operators of all other gambling activities are charged between 10% and 15% based on revenue.

For players, there's an annual tax-free winnings allowance of up to €3,000.

History of Gambling Laws in Latvia

All forms of gambling were illegal when Latvia was under the control of the USSR from 1940 until 1991. When the country regained its independence, the first casino opened.

The Law on Gambling and Lotteries came into force in 1998, and along with it the Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection which regulates the industry and issues licences.

After key changes to laws in 2005 online gambling was legalised in 2006, but with strict conditions - especially regarding players. Unlicensed sites are actively blocked by ISPs and financial institutions are legally obliged to pass on details of those gambling at such sites.

Key Facts

• Casino gambling is legal in Latvia, with operators required to hold a licence to offer offline and online games.

• Bingo and poker gambling are legal under licence, although neither are very popular.

• Lottery gambling is legal, but the country's national lottery operates under the monopoly control of Latvijas Loto.

• Sports betting is legal in Latvia, with both offline and online operators required to hold a licence.