Latvia Explores Options for Raising Minimum Legal Gambling Age

Countries across Europe enforce different limits when it comes to gambling activities. Generally, 18 is considered an adulthood age in many countries which makes this a requirement for casino gambling for example. Still, while some countries permit 18-year-olds to gamble, others may restrict them from certain gambling activities.

In Latvia, the legal gambling age is 18. Yet, the country doesn’t have an age limit when it comes to lottery participation. However, a new draft proposal seeks to change this and also raise the minimum age required for gambling activities.

The new draft law proposes changes to Latvia’s Law on Gambling and Lotteries. The government will consider the proposal today, as announced by LETA news agency, citing the country’s Finance Ministry. Ultimately, the restrictions seek to strengthen the protection of the consumers and prevent gambling harm and problem gambling.

Changes to Affect iGaming, Retail Gambling Activities

The draft calls for enhanced protection for consumers in a move that is expected to benefit the public. Per the draft law, the minimum age required for gambling activities would be increased from 18 to 21. This mirrors the legal age requirement in other European countries, as well as across the United States, where in a lot of states 21 is considered as a standard minimum age required for gambling.

Besides increasing the minimum age requirement, the new proposal calls for limiting individuals under the age of 18 from engaging in lottery games. Undoubtedly, this move will help prevent children from gambling-related addictions.

Further changes that are part of the proposal in Latvia call for reduced working hours of gambling venues. If the law receives approval, it will prohibit gambling venues from operating between 9 PM and 6 AM. An exception to that rule would apply to wagers or bets.

Further changes will include the establishment of requirements for the external parts of gambling venues, as well as the implementation of smart cards. The use of smart cards isn’t a new method, but it proves to be an effective way to spot excessive gambling and attempts for financial crimes.

Besides restrictions to land-based venues, the draft law seeks to enforce limitations on online gambling. Per the proposal, iGaming operators will be required to monitor the activities of their players. The licensed operators will be tasked with ensuring that no player gambles for 21 hours via a single session or multiple sessions over a span of 24 hours. This change seeks to reduce the exposure to online gambling as a way to decrease gambling harm.

The draft law will seek approval from the country’s Parliament. If approved, it is expected to bring meaningful changes to the country’s gambling sector.