Changes to Latvia's gambling laws in 2026

Looks like the new year has kicked off with a bang for everyone, and not in the most positive sense, the gambling industry included.

What has changed and, most importantly, what will affect you as a player? Let's find out.

Tax hike: the state takes a bigger cut from casinos 💸

The plan was for taxes to rise gradually until 2027, but in this dynamic environment a tax increase wasn't something the state could afford to postpone. The key changes, no beating around the bush:

• Online casino tax: Up from 12% to 15%.
• Sports betting: Up from 15% to 18%.
• Fee per slot machine in gaming halls: The annual fee per machine has gone up by more than 1200 euros.

How does this affect players?

It's too early to say how these changes will hit players. This may come as a shock (joke), but casinos aren't charities, so don't hold out too much hope that the industry will simply swallow these extra costs on its own. No surprise if Latvian casinos start offering smaller welcome bonuses and fewer perks. We won't even go into gaming halls - that business is already having a rough time.

New management: VID takes over 👀

Until now the industry was supervised by a separate body, the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia (IAUI). From 1 April 2026 that body is being dissolved and all oversight passes to the State Revenue Service (VID). That means tighter control over the money flows, at least in theory.

• Control: VID will have far more information on players' money flows, which of course is nothing tragic if you're a white fluffy bunny who does everything by the letter of the law. How strong this control will be in practice, only time will tell - when state institutions get merged, actual control quite often drops.
• Reality: If you play with licensed operators, you're fine. But if you try playing on illegal sites or moving large sums with no clear origin, VID will spot it faster and react harder, so be careful.

21+ and mandatory registration in gaming halls 🆔

If you were born in 2006 or later, the doors to gambling are now shut for you. The minimum age has been raised from 18 to 21.

• Online and gaming halls: Only from age 21.
• Exception: Lotteries (instant lotteries, number draws) are still available from 18.

If you visit physical gaming halls: anonymity is over. To sit down at a machine and spin the reels, you now have to use a personalised smart card. The system will log how long you play, how much you deposit and how much you lose. The state's goal is to spot addiction risks, but in practice it means every move you make is recorded digitally, and the folks at state institutions will have a pile of interesting data to process.

Riga is changing 🚫

Riga City Council is pressing on with its plan to cut the number of gaming halls in the capital. Unless you plan on visiting casinos in 4 or 5 star hotels, finding a place to play in Riga will only get harder. The small "neighbourhood" halls are slowly closing down or being forced to stop operating because of court proceedings.

Summary of the upcoming changes:

2026. will be a more expensive and more tightly supervised year for players.

• Stick to the legal ones: With VID at the wheel, blocking of illegal sites and payment checks could get far more aggressive. Better not to risk your money in the "grey zone".
• Keep an eye on the offers: With taxes up, good bonuses will be a rarity. It's worth comparing which operator still offers decent terms, so our casino bonus roundup section goes from "nice to know" to the bible for new players.
• Play smart: With the new taxes and restrictions, winning in the long run gets even harder.

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