Latvia Proposes Gambling Age Increase to 21

Is Latvia on the verge of a gambling industry overhaul? The Latvian government has proposed amendments to its Gambling and Lotteries Act, aiming to increase the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21. This move signals a stricter stance on responsible gambling and youth protection. If these amendments pass, they could dramatically reshape Latvia’s gambling market, implementing new rules and restrictions across both land-based and online operations. Keep reading to explore how these changes might impact Latvia’s gambling landscape and what it means for players and operators alike.

Latvia Pushes for Stricter Gambling Laws: Minimum Age Increase and New Restrictions Proposed

The Latvian government is moving forward with a proposal to introduce more stringent regulations on gambling and lottery operations in the country. The proposed amendments to the Gambling and Lotteries Act include raising the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21, along with several other measures aimed at promoting responsible gambling and protecting the public from gambling-related harm.

Key Changes Proposed in the Gambling Legislation

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a higher minimum age limit for gambling. If the bill passes, individuals will need to be at least 21 years old to participate in any gambling activity. Currently, the minimum age is 18, a standard that aligns with many European countries. This change would mark a bold move by Latvia to combat the risks associated with youth gambling.

Additionally, the proposal introduces, for the first time, a minimum age of 18 for purchasing lottery tickets. Previously, there was no age restriction for lottery sales, allowing people of any age to participate. This new measure aims to curb early exposure to gambling activities, addressing concerns about minors developing problematic gambling behaviors.

The bill, however, still requires parliamentary approval before becoming law. While raising the gambling age is a headline measure, the draft legislation also proposes several other regulations. For example, the Cabinet of Ministers would be empowered to set uniform design requirements for the facades of gambling venues, making them less visible to the public.

New Rules for Online Gambling and Venue Operations

In a further effort to promote responsible gambling, the bill suggests implementing personalized smart cards for gamblers. These cards would help identify and monitor gambling behavior, aiming to reduce the risk of addiction. The use of smart cards aligns with global trends toward more transparent and controlled gambling environments.

Moreover, the legislation proposes limiting the operating hours for gambling venues, restricting them to operate between 9 a.m. and 6 a.m., except for betting shops. Online gambling would also see stricter controls, with individual gaming sessions capped at 21 hours to prevent excessive play.

The government’s primary goal with these changes is to ensure that gambling in Latvia remains controlled, transparent, and socially responsible. By focusing on youth protection, the government hopes to reduce the incidence of gambling-related harms, especially among young people. A recent study by the Ministry of Health indicated that nearly 19% of respondents aged 15 to 24 had started gambling before turning 18, revealing an alarming trend of early gambling involvement.

A Victory for Gambling Venues in Riga

These new regulatory measures come on the heels of a significant legal victory for gambling operators in the Latvian capital, Riga. Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court ruled against the Riga Council’s decision to close down 139 gambling venues under a decree intended to restrict gambling to four and five-star hotels by 2025. The Council’s move aimed to protect 80,000 residents deemed vulnerable to problem gambling. However, affected operators, including Admiral Klubs, Alfors, Joker Ltd, and Olympic Casino Latvia, filed an appeal, resulting in the court’s decision to overturn the restrictions.

Latvia’s proposal to raise the minimum gambling age to 21 represents a significant step toward promoting responsible gambling and addressing concerns about gambling-related harm. Along with new regulations on gambling venue visibility, personalized smart cards, and operational hours, this proposed legislation signals a shift toward a more controlled gambling environment. As Latvia navigates these potential changes, it remains to be seen how these new laws will reshape the industry and impact both players and operators. If approved, these amendments could serve as a model for other countries looking to tighten their gambling regulations and focus on player protection.