Licensing and regulation of gambling in Latvia
In Latvia, gambling, including online casinos, is regulated by the Azartspēļu un izložu likums (Gambling and Lotteries Law). Since 1 April 2026, all licensing and supervision functions are performed by the State Revenue Service of Latvia (VID, Valsts ieņēmumu dienests). Only operators holding a VID licence for interactive gambling may operate legally.
Players are prohibited from participating in gambling on sites without a Latvian licence—the fine for violation ranges from €70 to €350. VID maintains a register of blocked domains and a register of self-excluded persons. Offshore casinos from international platform rankings do not hold Latvian licences.
Gambling in Latvia is regulated by the Azartspēļu un izložu likums (Gambling and Lotteries Law). Since 1 April 2026, all powers relating to licensing, supervision and maintaining the register of self-excluded persons have been transferred to the State Revenue Service of Latvia (VID, Valsts ieņēmumu dienests). Previously, these functions were performed by the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (IAUI). VID now publishes on its website a list of all licensed gambling organisers.
Online casino licence in Latvia
An online casino may legally operate in Latvia only if it holds a VID licence for interactive gambling. To obtain a licence, an operator must submit to VID the game rules, a statement of account from a bank registered in Latvia (for settlements with players), and information about the gaming system and its certification. A licensed Latvian operator is required to transfer a player's winnings to the same bank account from which the funds were deposited.
Tax on interactive gambling is 15%—paid by the operator, not the player. The list of all licensed operators can be verified on the official VID website.
Player age and self-exclusion
Gambling in Latvia is permitted from the age of 18. The question of raising the age to 21 has been discussed, but the current law maintains the threshold at 18 years.
VID maintains a register of self-excluded persons (pašatteikušos personu reģistrs). An individual may voluntarily prohibit themselves from participating in gambling, including online. The minimum exclusion period is 12 months, and a longer period may be set. Licensed operators are required to check the register before registering a player and to block access to those listed. The register does not apply to offshore sites without a Latvian licence.
Prohibitions and fines for players
Players are prohibited from participating in interactive gambling organised in Latvia without a VID licence. The fine for violation by an individual ranges from €70 to €350. VID restricts access to unlicensed operator sites; the list of blocked domains is published on the service's website.
Gambling advertising in Latvia is prohibited outside gambling venues. Since 2026, a narrow exception has applied for trademarks of licensed bookmakers in sport.
How to verify a casino licence
To verify whether an online casino holds a Latvian licence:
- Visit the official VID website and locate the register of licensed gambling operators.
- Check whether the casino or operator company name appears on the list.
- Look at the footer of the casino website—licence details and the regulator are usually stated there.
If the casino is not listed by VID, it does not hold a Latvian licence. Such sites may be blocked in Latvia, and the player faces a fine for participating in illegal gambling.
Status of offshore casinos in Latvia
Casinos from international platform rankings are offshore operators that do not hold a VID Latvian licence. They typically hold licences from other jurisdictions, such as Curaçao, but these licences do not confer the right to operate in Latvia.
Participating in games on such sites involves risks:
- Legal status in Latvia: the player is breaking the law, with fines from €70 to €350.
- VID may block access to the site without warning.
- A bank may decline payment to an unlicensed gambling site.
- Latvian regulator protection does not apply—disputes are resolved under the rules of the jurisdiction where the operator is registered.
- The VID register of self-excluded persons does not apply to offshore platforms.
Licence details are usually stated in the footer of the casino site—they can be verified independently on the regulator's website.
Payment methods in Latvian and offshore casinos
Licensed Latvian operators work through bank accounts registered in Latvia. The country's largest banks are Swedbank, SEB, Citadele and Luminor. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported by major Latvian banks and allow payment by card via phone.
Offshore casinos often offer e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, MiFinity), services such as Trustly and Revolut, and cryptocurrencies via gateways like PayCryptos. A bank may decline a transfer to an unlicensed gambling site—this depends on the policy of the particular bank.
| Parameter | Licensed operators (VID) | Offshore casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Licence in Latvia | Yes, VID | No |
| Legality for player | Yes | No (fine €70–€350) |
| Self-exclusion register | Applies | Does not apply |
| VID blocking | No | Possible |
| Regulator protection | VID | Offshore jurisdiction regulator |
| Bank transfers | Via Latvian banks | May be declined by bank |
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to play at online casinos in Latvia?
Yes, if the casino holds a VID licence for interactive gambling. The list of licensed operators is published on the VID website. Playing on sites without a Latvian licence is prohibited by law, with fines for players ranging from €70 to €350.
What is the register of self-excluded persons and how does it work?
The register of self-excluded persons is maintained by VID. An individual may voluntarily prohibit themselves from participating in gambling for a period of at least 12 months. Licensed Latvian operators are required to check the register and block access to players listed on it. The register does not apply to offshore casinos without a Latvian licence.
Do offshore casinos from rankings hold a Latvian licence?
No. Casinos from international platform rankings do not hold a VID licence. They may hold licences from other jurisdictions (such as Curaçao), but these licences do not confer the right to operate in Latvia. Participating in games on such sites involves legal risks, potential blocking and the absence of Latvian regulator protection.
Can a bank decline payment to an offshore casino?
Yes. A bank may decline a transfer to an unlicensed gambling site—this depends on the policy of the particular bank. Latvia's largest banks (Swedbank, SEB, Citadele, Luminor) have the right to block such transactions.
Gambling is intended for adult players (18+). Gamble responsibly, set limits and remember: gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money. If necessary, use the VID register of self-excluded persons.