Latvia Debates Stricter Gambling Laws and Increased Age Limits
The Latvian Finance Ministry has said that today, Tuesday, August 13, the government will review proposed changes to the Law on Gambling and Lotteries, which will set stricter restrictions on who can gamble.
Latvian Finance Ministry discuss new gambling age and regulations.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The proposed amendments are intended to better safeguard public welfare by reducing the risks associated with gambling and lotteries. The goal is to ensure that these activities occur in a regulated, transparent, legal, and socially responsible manner that does not foster gambling addiction.
Raising Minimum Age to 21
Key changes in the draft law include raising the minimum age for gambling from 18 to 21. Additionally, for the first time, an age restriction will be introduced for lotteries, barring those under 18 from participating.
To reduce the prominence of gambling venues, the draft law proposes that the Cabinet of Ministers will establish uniform regulations. These will dictate the nature and extent of information allowed to be displayed in the exteriors of such establishments.
Another major change involves the introduction of personalized smart cards for gamblers, a measure designed to improve the identification of gambling addiction.
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Placing Time Limits on Gambling
Further gambling regulations will include limiting the hours during which gambling can take place, from 6 am to 9 pm, with an exception for sports betting. Additionally, the proposal seeks to limit the duration of interactive gambling sessions to a maximum of 21 continuous hours or within multiple sessions totaling 24 hours. According to the Finance Ministry, these will curb prolonged gambling and, this way, reduce the risk of gambling harms.
Once the government approves the draft law, it will then be forwarded to Parliament for further consideration.
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