The History of Gambling Evolution in Latvia

Gambling in Latvia was officially legalized when the "Law on Lotteries and Gambling" was adopted. It was the first law that regulated the gambling industry in the country. Earlier, gambling activities were not regulated, and entrepreneurs operated illegally. Now, Latvians can place wagers in lats in casinos, bookies, and sportsbooks.The growth of online gambling Latvia has also been significant, with a wide range of legal and licensed options available. That is how the growth of the gambling market has gone on like this:

The Latvian gambling law entered into force, and the IAUI (Lottery and Gambling Supervision Inspection) became the supervisory institution.
All types of gambling, online gaming included, are licensed.
A list of blocked sites was created, and blocking of illegal operators was initiated.
Advertising of gambling was restricted, and stringent conditions for online advertising were enforced.
The move to the cyberspace caused the popularity of online casinos to boom overnight.
The self-exclusion facility through IAUI was initiated (24,000+ customers registered in the first year). and.

There are 20 licensed gambling sites in Latvia in 2025, and the total market volume exceeds €300 million. Key advantages of the institutions: tight control requirements, open licensing, and responsible gambling promotion.

Legality and Regulation of Gambling in Latvia

The government authority overseeing the iGaming industry in Latvia is the Izložu un azartspēļu uzraudzības inspekcija (IAUI) – the Lottery and Gambling Supervision Inspection. The regulator reports to the Ministry of Finance. According to state policy on lotteries and gambling, the online casino, sportsbook, and lottery organizer company business has to be strictly licensed by the IAUI. The main conditions set by IAUI are:

The operator must be officially registered within the state.
Minimum capital for online casinos: €1,400,000+.
Customers are subject to identity verification (KYC), and registration can be made from 18 years old.
Casinos are required to connect to the registry, which holds those who have opted-in for self-exclusion.

Forced adoption of AML requirements.

Currently, there are 20 IAUI-licensed online providers active in the country. Unlicensed casinos are blocked and DNS blacklisted. Only authentic providers' games such as Yggdrasil, Playtech, Evolution, etc., are available on the sites. Winnings withdrawn over €3,000 are taxed at 10%. Latvian legislation is among the most strict within EU countries, along with Denmark and the Netherlands.

How to Choose the Best Online Casino in Latvia

Choosing a reputable online casino is not a simple task, as players need to find a number of factors. Licensed casinos are operating actively in the country, and their differences rely on withdrawal period, simplicity of interface, game assortment, and bonus terms. Following is how to choose the best casino in Latvia:

IAUI License: Only websites with a legitimate Latvian license are permitted to accept players legally. The license number appears in the bottom of the site. The list of verified sites is published on the portal https://www.iaui.gov.lv/.
Game Choice: The operator should offer at least 3,000 releases, like slots, poker, baccarat, live games, sportsbook, etc. The top sites feature software from verified developers like NetEnt, Play'n GO, Novomatic, etc.
Bonuses and Promotions: The best online casinos with welcome bonuses in Latvia (e.g., 300% + 200 FS for 3 deposits), cashbacks (5-15%), promo codes, loyalty programs, and other promotions attract more players.
Payment Methods: Reliable online casinos in Latvia offer safe payment methods like Swedbank, SEB, Citadele, Visa, Mastercard, Revolut, Trustly, Skrill. The minimum deposit of €5-10 is needed, and withdrawals are usually performed within 15 minutes.
Customer Support: It must be a top priority that the site provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, phone, or email. The turnaround time should not be more than 5-10 minutes.
Language Support: Legitimate sites are fully translated in Latvian and Russian. English and other language translations are also commonly available.

In addition, note the presence of a mobile app, the availability of sports betting, account limits features, etc. Making a choice in favor of a gambling club, the mentioned above principles shall be taken into account, which ensures legal, secure, and lucrative gambling in Latvia's online casinos.

How to Start Playing in Latvian Casinos with Lats

Latvian internet casinos offering lats' spinning reels are available to adults aged more than 18 years. Becoming a registered player and starting spinning reels is easy with Smart-ID technology and bank identification. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to play at the top Latvian casinos:

Choose a Platform: First, select a reliable platform. IAUI-licensed platforms are recommended, translated in Latvian, with 3000+ releases, local payment gateways, and other advantages.
Registration in a Latvian Casino: The user has to click "Register" and fill in a form with personal information, including email, password, name, address, ID/passport number, and age. Next, proof of identity is required.
Account Verification: The operator asks for a photocopy of an ID (passport, foreign passport, or ID card) and proof of address: utility bill or bank statement.
Deposit money: The player makes a deposit in the Latvian casino with any suitable mean: card, web service, phone. Common means are Aktia, Danske Bank, Visa, Trustly, etc. The minimum deposit amount is typically €5-10, and the maximum is €5000 for a single transaction.
Get Bonus: The welcome bonus is triggered directly when an account is opened and a first deposit deposited, i.e., 100% up to €200 + 100 FS. In the majority of situations, it will have to be triggered with a 20+ euro transfer or the input of a promo code.
Start Betting: Having signed up and deposited, the player is ready to start games at Latvian casino in lats. There is something to do for everyone: slots, table games, live games, sports betting. Simply choose a release and play it in one of two modes: demo or real money.

It is advised that beginners restrict deposits and acquire information about responsible gaming principles prior to placing wagers. This will prevent personal funds and information from being jeopardized and excessive spending from occurring.