Latvia Proposes Major Gambling Law Overhaul: Age Limit to 21, Session Caps

Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed significant amendments to the Gambling and Lotteries Law that will introduce stricter player protection measures and operational requirements for gambling operators.

Key Age and Access RestrictionsThe proposed legislation raises the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21 years, while introducing an 18-year age limit for lottery participation—previously unregulated. Additionally, gaming halls must now operate a minimum of 25 slot machines, up from 20, effectively eliminating smaller venues from the market.

Operational Time LimitsGambling venues will be required to close between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM daily, with an exemption for totalisator and betting operations. Online gambling sessions will be capped at 21 hours within any 24-hour period, whether continuous or cumulative across multiple sessions.

Enhanced Player MonitoringOperators must implement risk monitoring and control systems to identify players showing signs of problem gambling. The amendments also introduce personalized smart cards for gamblers, enabling better tracking of at-risk individuals and gambling patterns.

Advertising and AML RequirementsNew Cabinet regulations will standardize facade advertising for gambling venues, limiting the visibility of promotional materials. Operators will also face mandatory visitor registration requirements aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance.

The bill now proceeds to the Saeima (Parliament) for review. These changes align with Latvia's Gambling and Lottery Policy Guidelines 2021-2027.