Latvia launches responsible gambling program
Starting on January 1, Latvia has launched a responsible gambling initiative, allowing players to self-exclude from gaming operations.
Latvia.- The gaming industry is continuously looking for ways to improve its performance in a safe environment. That’s why Latvia has launched a responsible gambling initiative to prevent certain issued linked with the industry.
The government approved a self-exclusion program, which came into force January 1. Through it, players can ban themselves from gaming operations (online or land-based) for a period of 12 months.
“The purpose of the register of self-denied persons is to protect the public interest and the right of natural persons to refrain from excessive gambling activities, including interactive gambling, or participation in interactive lotteries,” the Lottery and Gambling Supervisory Authority (IAUI) said. The exclusion applies to participation in all statutory gambling and interactive lotteries.”
The IAUI explained 125 people requested state-funded support for problems related to their gambling addiction last year. That’s why it pushed this program, in order to promote Latvia as a responsible gambling market.
The segment’s performance
The gambling regulator from Latvia, the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia (IAUI), has released the latest financial report indicating the performance of licensed operators in the first nine months of the year.
Gambling companies generated €237.1 million in the first nine months of the year. This figure represents a 12.2% increase over the same period in 2018. Approximately €171 million comes from gambling machines, also a 9% rise over 2018. Table games registered €12.7 million and a 3% rise.
Online gambling operators generated €38.8 million in revenue – a 35.5% improvement on the previous year. Casino games in the online segment totalled €27.8 million and a 38% increase, sports betting €10.6 million (a 28.3% rise) and card games €303k, a 77.7% improvement.
