Riga, Latvia Considers Sweeping Gambling Restrictions

The Riga Municipality is considering a bold plan to drastically reduce the number of gambling venues across the city, seeking to ban betting establishments from almost all urban areas. Riga Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis’ proposal will free most parts of the capital from gambling establishments, drawing public praise but raising significant concern among stakeholders.

The Move Enjoys Overwhelming Public Support

The draft regulations, expected to be adopted in March, outline a broad array of restrictions. The most crucial ones include a blanket ban on gambling operations near municipal properties, educational institutions, residential areas, and public transportation hubs. These new rules would restrict gaming establishments to a few four- and five-star hotels and a handful of industrial zones cut off from the rest of the city.

Discussing these measures in a recent press conference, Mayor Ķirsis highlighted the municipality’s commitment to redefining Riga’s entertainment scene. Deputy Mayor Linda Ozola echoed these statements, noting that the plan reflected public sentiment. Ozola referred to a November 2024 study that found 77% of residents supported reducing the number of gambling halls or closing them entirely.

This way, we defend the interests of the city and also fulfill the will of our residents to significantly limit the number of gambling halls in the city.

Linda Ozola, Riga Deputy Mayor

Currently, Riga hosts over 70 gambling venues operating under 110 valid licenses. City council members expect that the new regulations will substantially reduce that number. The city administration hopes that making such establishments harder to access could reduce gambling harm exposure among vulnerable populations while leaving a legal wagering option for diehard fans.

Casino Representatives Warned of Legal Repercussions

Riga plans to ease this transition by implementing a five-year expiry period for existing gambling licenses. This measure means existing venues will have until 2029 to reorganize their operations. Despite public support for these harsh restrictions, Latvia’s gambling sector has voiced strong opposition. Juris Celmārs, chairman of Olympic Casino Latvia, warned that a near-total ban could backfire by encouraging illegal gambling operations.

Currently, such a problem does not exist, but by preventing the operation of a legal and strictly supervised industry, illegal places will begin to satisfy consumer demand.

Juris Celmārs, Olympic Casino Latvia chairman

The Latvian Interactive Gambling Association has also shared its stance on these planned reforms, cautioning that any restrictions must be proportionate and legally sound. The organization noted that if Riga authorities disregard the interests of all parties involved, the region’s gambling sector would be forced to take legal action to protect its rights.

The Riga city council remains undeterred in its pursuit of reforms, with Mayor Ķirsis and Deputy Mayor Ozola championing the plan as a crucial step to better Riga’s social environment and crack down on problem gambling. However, a gambling-free Riga could be a long way away amidst potential legal battles and looming industry concerns.