Gambling in Latvia

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Latvia – a country with a sophisticated elegance, famous for its amber, salmon and great views of the Baltic Sea. The narrow streets of Riga, Jurmala and the famous resort on the northern restrained, but no less beautiful nature – all this is the hallmark of this country. And that’s how things are with the casino business in Latvia and whether there is an opportunity to play in this country in the online casino and we will try to clarify in this article.

 

Casino in Latvia:

Learn more about the most famous casinos in Latvia and about the interesting facts, read our article.

 

Latvia laws on gambling – historical background

In Soviet times, Latvia fully comply with the legislation of the USSR and gambling on its territory was conducted. In the course were the only state lottery. August 21, 1991 Latvia declares its independence, and from this date in this country begins its path of development of the gambling sector. Major events and legislative solutions we present in table form for clarity.

Year	Changes in laws and
1990	The first casino “Riga” in the eponymous hotel. Casinos operate under license, but they give a few gos. authorities – local authorities, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. In practice, this leads to the fact that no one knows exactly how many of the country which issued the license and how casinos operate.
1994	The adoption of the first laws “On lotteries and gambling” and “On the duties and taxes on lotteries and gambling.” These laws regulate the payment of taxes on gambling, as well as set the size of fees for issuing licenses and permits to engage in gambling.
1995	Foreign companies can have no more than 49% of the operator’s share capital. Organization of the Latvian Association of Gaming Business.
2005	The new law “On Gambling and Lotteries” – tightening requirements for the organization of the casino and to the visitors. It should be a video surveillance system, enhanced security, labels, informing about possible gambling addiction.
2014	Since June 1, the beginning of the blocking of international online casinos and betting operators that do not have a license in Latvia. Lock is engaged in inspection supervision of the Lotteries and Gambling (Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection- IAUI). Officially, can work only those online operators that received licenses is in Latvia and meet the requirements of the law and pay taxes regularly.

 

That in fact these laws mean for the player?

Online casinos in Latvia:

•   Illegal casinos in Latvia blocked Internet operators. If you have access to an online casino, so it can be played.
•   A brief summary. There is access online – you can play. But the list of illegal sites is constantly growing, be careful. If your casino will be in the “black list” of the access to the account will be difficult to remove and can only win you from another country.

Offline Casino Latvia:

•   typically found in hotels;
•   between the ages of 18 and a passport.

 

How to start playing in an online casino?

Let’s see what you need to do in order to play at an online casino was enjoyable, rather than a problem.

1. Does the game legally in the online casino? At present in Latvia the situation is such that what is not prohibited and is not blocked – enabled. If you have access to the site, then you can play. Sometimes casino sites themselves block users from certain countries by IP address. Full information can be found directly on the casino site.
2. Are online casinos reliable? For this you can use our list of trusted casinos and clarify their legality in the territory of Latvia (the regulator can add the site at any time, so the 100% guarantee on the list, alas, no one can not give. Or yourself to find the right online operator. Main on you need to pay attention:
   • Licensed online casinos are publicly available;
   • Work experience at least 3 years;
   • Player’s comments (positive and negative);
   • The presence of feedback – contact details, e-mail, chat;
   • Licensed software known developers (Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, etc.);
   • protection system – SSL encryption, verification of personal data.
3. Is there a suitable payment method for adding or withdrawing funds?
4. Is there a bonus system? What wager and “acting out” conditions? What are the loyalty program?
5. Are there any games that you like? It does all clear information about casino games rules, site navigation?

Once you ask yourself these questions – you’re almost ready to start the game. We recommend that you test at the beginning of the casino without deposit (usually there are free games), as well as read the game rules and advice on bankroll management if necessary. So you can get the maximum pleasure and minimize the loss of their funds.

Casino in Riga

In the capital of Latvia about 30 gambling establishments of various sizes. Let us consider the two largest and most luxurious – of Olympic the Voodoo Casino and Royal Casino .

The first of them belongs to the company of Olympic Entertainment’s Group is , which owns a network of gambling houses throughout the Baltic region, as well as in Poland, Slovakia, Belarus and Italy.

Do not worry, the casino has nothing to do with black magic. This first class restaurant, located in Hotel Radisson Blu near the Old Town. There are a lot of slots, tables for roulette, blackjack and poker.

Every Friday and Saturday at the Olympic Voodoo Casino live music in the bar these days it is a pleasure to sit.

A little further from the center – Royal Casino Spa is Hotel & Resort . Old, very beautiful, very large entertainment complex with a nightclub, a bar, a restaurant and, of course, a casino.

The gambling part of the complex looks very expensive – gold, glitter, vintage things, which resembles the royal chambers. Royal Casino hosted World Championship of Poker , as well as the Unibet the Open .

Traditional games – slot machines , roulette , blackjack , etc..

Dress code in both institutions if there is, very “soft”. Just get dressed decently and no problems will not be input.

Passed 18 years.

 

Riga, Latvia: “Paris of the North”

For centuries, Riga was the most important and largest city in north-eastern Europe. Now in the Latvian capital, is home to a little less than 700 thousand people.

Riga is located on the banks of the Daugava River, for which he has repeatedly compared with Paris. Like in Tallinn, Riga has an amazing Old Town , caught in a loop of the times, as well as a number of buildings in completely different styles – from Gothic to Art Nouveau.

Latvia’s history is complex and heterogeneous. The country does not again find themselves at the center of the confrontation of the great powers. Numerous wars have strongly influenced the modern image of Riga.

Fifty years Latvia was part of the Soviet Union and gained independence in 1991.

In 2014 Riga will become European Capital of Culture.

 

Latvia on the map of Europe

 

Riga attractions

1. Old Town: the maze of streets, cobblestone, a unique medieval character. Be sure to check out the Town Hall Square. There are a lot of interesting things. From Baroque buildings, art nouveau and gothic eyes do not tear.

In the old town of many churches – such as St. Peter’s Church . Until recently, by the way, it is the tallest building in the city – more than 120 meters.

Ibid – Cat House, three historic houses called Three Brothers, Dome Cathedral and, of course, the Riga Castle. Unfortunately, this summer the castle was severely damaged by fire, irrevocably lost thousands of exhibits and books from the library.

2. Freedom Monument: one of the symbols of the city. It looks like a statue of a woman holding over his head three stars. The stars symbolize the three provinces of Latvia. It was established in 1935 in honor of the fallen fighters for the independence of the country. In the Soviet period, the monument would carry, but still left.

Around the Freedom Monument is a park where you can stroll and enjoy a cup of coffee.

3. Central Market:  south of the old town there is a huge market where you can buy everything – clothes, food, books – and with a reasonable price. The market is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A significant part of it is located in the old hangar originally built to serve the airships.

Tourists can not ignore such a unique shopping center. It’s safe, but be careful it’s worth: such a place – a paradise for pickpockets.

 

Facts about Latvia

Population: 2 million people.

Area: 64.589 m ² .

Language: Latvian, about half the population speaks in Russian.

Currency: Latvian lat.

How to get to Riga: direct daily flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk, Kiev and other cities; trains also run every day. To enter Latvia Russians need a visa.