Key points
- Interactive gambling in Latvia requires a licence issued by the State Revenue Service (Valsts ieņēmumu dienests, VID).
- Players are not allowed to take part in interactive gambling not licensed in Latvia. VID warns of fines of €70–350 for individuals.
- The Gambling and Lotteries Law sets 18 as the minimum age and provides a register of self-excluded persons.
- Check VID's list of licensed gambling organisers before you register anywhere.
Who regulates online casinos in Latvia?
Gambling in Latvia is governed by the Gambling and Lotteries Law (Azartspēļu un izložu likums). The version we checked was the consolidated text in force from 1 April 2026. Licences for interactive gambling and lotteries are issued by the State Revenue Service (VID), which also publishes the list of licensed gambling organisers. Older guides that name a separate inspectorate as the licensing body are out of date for this purpose. Check VID's pages for current information.
Can you legally play at a foreign online casino from Latvia?
No, not if the operator does not hold a Latvian licence. VID's warning, published on 24 March 2026 and updated on 29 May 2026, says that under Section 3.1(1) of the law a person in Latvia may not take part in interactive gambling or lotteries organised without a VID licence. Section 89(14) provides a fine of 14 to 70 fine units, which VID states as €70 to €350.
A licence from Malta, Curaçao or any other country does not change this. A website in Latvian is not proof of a Latvian licence either.
How to check an operator
- Open VID's section "Licencētie azartspēļu organizētāji" (licensed gambling organisers).
- Search for the company name and the exact website address.
- Confirm that the licence covers interactive gambling, not only land-based venues or lotteries.
Age, identity and self-exclusion
- Minimum age. The law prohibits gambling by people under 18, and licensed operators must prevent it. Gambling advertising must carry a warning that gambling is permitted only from age 18.
- Identity checks. Licensed operators must identify players, which is how age and self-exclusion checks are enforced.
- Self-exclusion. Anyone can ask in writing to be banned from gambling in Latvia, including interactive gambling and lotteries, and be entered in the register of self-excluded persons (pašatteikušos personu reģistrs). The ban applies to land-based gambling, interactive gambling and interactive lotteries.
Advertising and bonuses
The law restricts gambling advertising, including where it may appear and the warnings it must carry. Licensed operators' bonus offers must follow these rules and the operator's licensed terms. Treat any "bonus for Latvian players" from an operator not on VID's list as an offer to take part in unlicensed gambling.
Complaints and help
- Raise complaints about a licensed operator with the operator first, then with VID as the supervisory authority.
- For an unlicensed operator, Latvian authorities cannot help you recover winnings, and taking part is itself an offence.
- If gambling is causing problems, use the self-exclusion register and talk to your doctor or a support service.
Note about the offers on this page: the casino offers shown above are general advertising. They do not mean that any operator is licensed in Latvia. Players in Latvia should only use operators on VID's list.
Sources
- Valsts ieņēmumu dienests, Paziņojums: participation in unlicensed interactive gambling not allowed. Published 24 March 2026, updated 29 May 2026. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Likumi.lv, Azartspēļu un izložu likums (consolidated version from 1 April 2026). Age 18, self-exclusion register and advertising provisions. Checked 3 November 2026.
Limitations: this is a summary for players, not legal advice. Fine amounts and procedures can change; check the current consolidated law and VID's pages.