Latvia prepares to tighten gambling rules

In Latvia, a draft law tightening gambling regulations received support in the Saeima's Budget and Finance Committee on 21 October. The committee agreed to send the proposed amendments to the first reading in parliament. However, the legislative term will be renewed with the new Saeima on 3 November, and the new parliament will decide whether the process continues.

Under the draft, the minimum age for gambling will rise from 18 to 21, both in land-based betting shops and on online platforms. Participation in lotteries will remain open at age 18. The proposals also include keeping gaming halls closed between 06:00 and 09:00. Betting and totalizator services are exempt from this closure rule.

For online operators, a limit is planned that would prevent players from gaming for more than 21 hours in a 24-hour period. This time will be calculated including time accumulated across different sessions. The plan also envisages enrolling players in a common verification system using personalised smart cards, and requiring operators to share data in real time. It is further proposed that security camera recordings be kept for 30 days instead of 7.

The draft was submitted to parliament in 2024, and lawmakers acknowledge that some sections need updating to keep pace with changes in the sector. No implementation date has been confirmed yet.