Strict gambling rules in Latvia head to a vote

The Budget and Finance Committee of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) backed a package amending the Gambling and Lotteries Law after a discussion on Wednesday, 21 October. The package was placed on the agenda of the 15th Saeima. The date it will take effect is not yet known.

Under the proposal, the minimum gambling age will be raised from 18 to 21. Retail lottery sales will also be open only to those over 21. Gambling venues will be required to stay closed between 06:00 and 09:00.

For online players, a limit of at most 21 hours of play within a 24-hour period is planned. The time will be monitored based on uninterrupted play across all online licenses. Operators will be connected to a central system that will identify addiction risks. The system will be supported by personal smart cards or similar technology.

The package also moves visitor registration outside casinos, raises the minimum number of machines in gaming halls from 20 to 25, and introduces common rules for venue facades and signage.

The regulation comes after Latvia merged its gambling oversight with the tax administration this year. The Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection joined the State Revenue Service (SRS) and ceased to be an independent regulator. Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens announced the restructuring in September 2025, along with tax rates that will rise from January 2026. The online gambling tax will go from 12 percent to 15 percent, and the betting tax from 15 percent to 18 percent.