Olympic fights Riga’s decision to ban gambling

The casino operator has filed a legal action after the city decided to ban gambling and cancel permits.

Latvia.- Olympic Entertainment Group revealed that it filed a legal action against Riga after the city decided to cancel the permits to operate two casinos. The city council of Riga, Latvia’s capital and biggest city, has recently decided to ban gambling in the city.

The city council informed Olympic Entertainment Group that it decided to cancel a five-year permit to operate Olympic Casino Latvia in the historical centre. The entity also talked about the permits that allow other five locations under Olympic’s control to operate and said that they would also be withdrawn. The five facilities are among the 42 casinos that are expected to close their doors in the city. Olympic is asking the courts to invalidate Riga’s move to ban gambling under Latvian law.

Back in May, Riga City Council voted in favour of prohibiting all slot halls in the district with the exception of those located in four and five-star hotels. The decision to close the 41 gaming halls in the area follows the ruling by the Supreme Court, which approved the rejection of a new venue for the old district by the City Council.