LOTTERIES AND GAMBLING SUPERVISORY INSPECTION OF LATVIA

Attention!

By the decision of the Government of the Republic of Latvia from November 9, 2020 until December 6, 2020 and with the latest extension until April 6, 2021 gambling companies are prohibited to carry out all land-based gambling activities – casino, gaming halls and betting points are closed. 

Licensed remote gambling activities are not prohibited.

THE HISTORY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INSPECTION

The first games of chance in Latvia were organized and the gambling market began its rapid development in early nineties due to the regaining of independence. In the summer of 1991 the first casino was registered in Latvia. At that time also increased the amount of companies, who organized different kinds of lotteries in our country. But as at that moment there were no legislative acts that would regulate the organization procedure of lotteries and gambling and also because of the insufficient supervisory and control of the lotteries and gambling market by the state, its development was spontaneous and not regulated.

At this period of time many small companies were involved in the organization of lotteries and gambling, who could not always ensure the organization of these games at the necessary level. Therefore the gaming business was discredited and the player suffered, as well as the revenue in the state budget from lotteries and gambling was very small.