Latvia is one of the countries where gambling is strictly regulated, yet the online casino industry is actively developing. Oversight in this sector is provided by the local Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection, which licenses operators and ensures compliance with legislation. As a result, players can choose from verified platforms that meet high security standards.
One of the key features of the Latvian market is restricted access to foreign casinos without a license. However, both local and international companies that have obtained permission to operate offer a wide range of entertainment, including slots, roulette, poker, and sports betting.
On this page, we will delve into how gambling regulation works in Latvia, the unique aspects of local online casinos, and the key milestones in the industry’s development, as well as the available methods for depositing funds.
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Regulation of Gambling in Latvia
In Latvia, gambling is strictly regulated by the state, with oversight conducted by the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (Izložu un azartspēļu uzraudzības inspekcija). The primary legislative act governing operator activities is the “Lotteries and Gambling Law,” enacted in 2006. It establishes requirements for licensing, taxation, and player protection.
To operate in Latvia, online casinos must obtain a local license, which is only granted to companies registered in the country. This limits market access for international operators without a Latvian license, and their websites are actively blocked. However, players using VPNs and alternative access methods can still bypass these restrictions.
Additionally, regulatory bodies monitor responsible gaming practices. In 2020, a national self-exclusion registry was introduced, allowing users to voluntarily restrict their access to gambling. Operators are required to check this registry and block accounts of registered users.
The country also enforces tax policies affecting operators. Licensed casinos pay a 10% tax on gambling revenue, along with fixed licensing fees. For players, winnings from licensed platforms are tax-free.
Thus, Latvia has stringent regulations aimed at protecting users and combating illegal platforms, while licensed operators provide legal and secure gaming conditions.
Features of Gambling
Online casinos in Latvia operate under strict regulations designed to protect players and prevent addiction. A key aspect of local legislation is tight control over licensed operators and a ban on access to foreign platforms without a local license.
One of the main requirements for online casinos is mandatory player verification. Users must confirm their identity and age by submitting documents before making a deposit. This prevents underage participation and helps combat money laundering.
Unlike some EU countries, Latvia does not impose limits on maximum bets but has other restrictions. For example, players cannot deposit more than €8,000 per month without proving their financial capacity. Users also have the option to set their own deposit and loss limits, and operators must provide tools for self-control.
Another measure is the “reality check,” which involves mandatory notifications about gaming time. Every 60 minutes, users receive a pop-up message reminding them of their session duration, total bets, and losses.
The self-exclusion registry, introduced in 2020, plays a significant role. Anyone struggling with gambling can register in this list, and all licensed operators must block their access to betting and casinos. The minimum self-exclusion period is one year.
As for land-based casinos, additional rules apply. For instance, they can only operate within large hotels, and entry is permitted from the age of 18. However, due to the popularity of online platforms, traditional venues are gradually losing their audience.
Thus, gambling in Latvia is tightly controlled, yet players have access to a variety of entertainment. Online casinos offer comfortable gaming conditions, and the regulatory system ensures maximum safety.
Key Dates
- 1998 – The first “Lotteries and Gambling Law” was adopted, establishing general principles for industry regulation. However, online casinos did not yet exist in the country at that time.
- 2006 – The updated “Lotteries and Gambling Law” came into effect, introducing the first rules for online operators. However, licensing for internet casinos only began several years later.
- 2014 – Mandatory licensing for online casinos was introduced. All operators in Latvia were required to obtain permission from the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection. Mass blockades of foreign casino websites without a Latvian license began.
- 2018 – Stricter legislation was enacted, with more rigorous licensing requirements and increased fines for rule-breaking operators.
- 2020 – The self-exclusion registry was created, allowing users to restrict their access to gambling for at least one year. New player protection measures, including mandatory gaming time and bet amount notifications, were also introduced.
- 2021 – The crackdown on illegal online casinos intensified, with hundreds of websites blocked and increased fines for operators.
- 2023 – Additional measures to combat gambling addiction were implemented, including deposit limits (up to €8,000 per month without income verification).
Best Payment Methods for Casinos in Latvia
Players in Latvia can use a wide range of payment methods for depositing and withdrawing funds at online casinos. Both traditional bank transfers and modern electronic payment systems are popular in the country. These and other payment systems can be found in any casino listed in the table below.
| Casino | First Deposit Bonus | Minimum Deposit |
| Fresh | 100% up to 600 EUR | From 20 EUR |
| Jet | 100% up to 600 EUR | From 20 EUR |
| Drip | 150% up to 600 EUR | From 20 EUR |
Bank Cards
Visa and Mastercard remain among the most common deposit methods. Nearly all licensed casinos accept these cards, and deposits are credited instantly. However, withdrawals may take 1 to 3 business days.
Bank Transfers
For larger amounts, Latvian players often use bank transfers, particularly through local banks like Swedbank, SEB Banka, and Citadele. These offer high security but may vary in transaction speed.
E-Wallets
Trustly is one of the most popular methods for deposits and withdrawals. This service allows quick and secure transfers directly from a bank account without registration. Skrill and Neteller are also in demand, though their use is limited in some casinos.
Mobile Payments
Some Latvian casinos support payments through mobile operators. For example, deposits can be made via SMS or a mobile app, with the amount deducted from the phone balance.
Cryptocurrencies
While crypto payments are gaining popularity worldwide, they are not yet widely used in licensed Latvian casinos. However, some international platforms with alternative access methods allow the use of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT for betting.
Thus, players in Latvia can choose the most convenient payment method—from classic bank cards to fast e-wallets like Trustly.
Online Casinos in Latvia FAQ
Yes, online casinos are legal in Latvia, but they must obtain a license from the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection. Access to foreign casinos without a Latvian license is officially blocked, though some players use VPNs to bypass restrictions.
The main restrictions focus on player protection. The country has a self-exclusion registry, as well as deposit limits—without proof of financial capacity, players cannot deposit more than €8,000 per month. Additionally, every 60 minutes, a notification appears on the screen, reminding players of their gaming time, total bets, and losses.
Popular methods include Visa and Mastercard bank cards, transfers through Swedbank, SEB Banka, and Citadele, as well as e-wallets like Trustly, Skrill, and Neteller. Some casinos allow deposits via mobile operators, but cryptocurrency payments are not yet common in licensed casinos.
No, winnings from licensed online casinos in Latvia are tax-free. However, playing on illegal platforms may result in tax obligations.
Licensed casinos can be found on the official website of the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia. Information about the license is also typically available at the bottom of the casino’s homepage or in the “Legal Information” section.