Latvia iGaming Licence

Gambling Licence in Latvia: A Comprehensive Guide

In Latvia, gambling licences are available for both residents and non-residents. If you’re looking to operate in the Latvian gambling market, it is essential to understand the legal framework that protects players from fraud and unfair practices while ensuring a secure and transparent environment for operators.

The Latvian Gambling and Lottery Supervision Inspection (Izložu un azartspēļu uzraudzības inspekcija) oversees the gambling industry in Latvia. Local authorities issue permission to operate specific gambling sites, which are then reviewed by the Inspectorate. Moreover, to take note, the state holds a monopoly on the lottery.

Key Regulations Governing Gambling in Latvia

The Latvian gambling industry is regulated by three main laws:

• Gambling and Lotteries Law
• Law on Lotteries and Gambling Tax and Fee
• Law on Lotteries of Goods and Services

Licences Available in Latvia

Slot Machines:
Operators can apply for a licence to operate gambling machines in Latvia. The process takes between 6 to 12 months, depending on the scale of the operation and the types of gambling offered on the platform.

Lotteries:
Lotteries in Latvia are divided into two categories: national and private. National lotteries cover the entire country, while private lotteries are limited to a smaller, specific group. A lottery licence can be bundled with a casino licence, which may reduce the application time. However, if you plan to apply for a separate lottery licence, re-submission of documents will be necessary for additional games like bingo or poker.

Casino Registration:
If you are planning to open a land-based casino, you can expand your gambling operations beyond Latvia to locations such as the UK, Gibraltar, Curacao, Seychelles, Isle of Man, and more. For online casinos, the application process is similar to land-based casinos, with no need to rent physical space for machines. A certificate of honesty, software quality assurance, and other relevant permits are also required.

Bookmaker Licence:
The bookmaker licence in Latvia applies to betting activities. Taxation is based on contributions up to 15%, regardless of the operator’s profitability. The licence is issued by the expert committee on gambling.

Bingo Licence:
Bingo licences require a substantial amount of paperwork. While bingo is not commonly found in casinos, it is popular among locals and non-residents. If you plan to operate bingo, the licensing process can be involved.

Advantages of Gambling Licences in Latvia:

• No double taxation on gambling activities
• Low cost for offshore zone applications
• A wide range of gambling activities are permitted: land-based, virtual casinos, bookmakers, slot machine halls, and lotteries

Licensing Requirements

Latvia’s licensing process is rigorous, designed to ensure that only trustworthy operators can offer gambling services. Operators must meet strict criteria such as financial stability, technical capability, and responsible gaming practices. The application requires submitting various documents, including ownership structure, financial statements, and details about the gaming software. Additionally, operators must obtain an eCOGRA certificate, which confirms that their equipment and software meet the EU’s safety standards.

Gambling Tax Rates

As of 1 January 2025, the following tax increases apply:

• Lottery tax: Increased from 10% to 15% (also applies to instant win games)
• Gambling re-registration fee: Increased from EUR 37,000 to EUR 45,000 per year

Starting 1 January 2027, further tax increases are expected:

• Roulette, card, and dice games: From EUR 33,696 to EUR 40,440 per gambling table per year
• Gaming machines: From EUR 6,204 to EUR 7,440 per machine per year
• Telephone-based games and wagers: Tax increased from 15% to 18% of revenue
• Bingo: Tax increased from 10% to 12% of revenue
• Telecommunications-based gambling: Tax increased from 12% to 15% of revenue

For more details on these changes, click here.

Conclusion

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