Lithuanian company to open casino in Latvia

The facility would be located on the Latvian side of the Estonian-Latvian border.

Lithuania.- A Lithuanian company has announced its intention to operate a casino in Valka, a city located on the Latvian side of the Estonian-Latvian border. The gambling facility, which would be next to an alcohol store, would feature 20 slot machines.

Local newspaper Ziemeļlatvija reported that the Lithuanian company had the intention to open the casino in the centre of the city, but had to change the location because a gambling facility cannot be too close to schools. While close to the border, the location seems to be ideal as there is a boom in alcohol sales both from Lithuanians and Estonians, who cross to the former to stock up on cheaper alcoholic beverages.

“A refusal had been received earlier from the town managers of Smiltene. The Valka Regional Council decided in June that the location on Rūjiena Street is a suitable one,” journalist Inga Karpova said.

The closest educational facility to the selected location is the Valga County Centre for Vocational Education, which is situated on the Estonian side of the border. Moreover, the company said that the casino would feature 20 slot machines and it could offer sports betting services as well.