Latvia Considers Raising Minimum Age for Gambling
Date: 2024-08-13 Author: Leon Pierce Categories: EVENTS
Different countries in Europe have different age limits for gambling. In most cases, the age of majority, which is 18 years, is the minimum for gambling, including visiting casinos. However, while some countries allow 18-year-olds to gamble, others may impose restrictions on certain types of gambling.
In Latvia, the current minimum age for gambling is 18 years. However, the country does not have an age limit for lotteries. However, the new bill proposes changes that would increase the minimum age for gambling.
Amendments to the Latvian Law on Gambling and Lotteries are proposed as part of the new bill. According to the LETA news agency, which cites the Latvian Ministry of Finance, the government will consider this proposal. The main objective of the proposed changes is to strengthen consumer protection and prevent negative consequences associated with gambling.
Changes Concerning Online and Offline Gambling
The bill aims to strengthen consumer protection measures, which is expected to bring significant benefits to society. According to the proposed law, the minimum age for gambling will be raised from 18 to 21. This step is in line with the requirements of other European countries, as well as many US states, where the age limit for gambling is often set at 21.
In addition to raising the minimum age, the bill provides for a ban on the participation of persons under 18 in lotteries. This should reduce the risk of gambling addiction among young people.
Additional changes proposed in Latvia concern the reduction of working hours of gambling establishments. If the law is approved, gambling establishments will be required to close from 21:00 to 06:00. An exception will be made only for betting.
The bill also includes requirements for the external design of gambling establishments and the use of smart cards. Although smart cards are not a new technology, they have proven to be effective in combating excessive gambling and financial crime.
In addition to restrictions on land-based establishments, the bill introduces restrictions on online gambling. According to the proposal, iGaming operators will be required to monitor the activity of their users. Licensed operators will have to ensure that no player plays for more than 21 hours a day, including all sessions. This measure is aimed at reducing the time spent on online gambling in order to reduce the harm caused by such games.
The bill will be submitted to the country's parliament for consideration. If approved, it will lead to significant changes in the Latvian gambling sector.
