Foto: BB.LV / игровой автомат
The Budget and Finance Committee of the Saeima on Wednesday, October 21, supported for consideration in the first reading amendments to the law on gambling and lotteries. They provide for a number of restrictions aimed at reducing the risk of gambling addiction. However, the current parliament will not have time to complete the consideration of the bill — further work on it will remain for the deputies of the 15th Saeima. ### Gaming halls will close for three hours One of the proposals provides for a mandatory break in the operation of gambling establishments from 6:00 to 9:00. An exception is planned for betting and totalizators. Restrictions will also apply to online gambling: it is proposed to conduct it for no more than 21 hours a day. In addition, it is planned to raise the minimum age of participants in gambling to 21 years. Lottery tickets can only be purchased by adults. Changes are also foreseen in the design of gambling establishments. Their signs and windows must become less noticeable, and food and service areas for visitors must be separated from gaming machines and tables. ### Player spending will be monitored Another significant innovation is a mandatory personalized player card or a similar technological solution. Without such identification, it will not be possible to start playing. The system should allow tracking how much time a person spends on gambling, how much money they deposit, and what amounts they win. If the organizer detects signs of a risk of developing gambling addiction, they must limit the person's further participation in the game. It is assumed that such a system will help identify problematic gambling behavior earlier. ### Restrictions have been discussed for several years Work on the amendments began back in 2019. As explained by the Ministry of Finance, the current bill is the result of lengthy negotiations and compromises. Some of the initial proposals have already been implemented. For example, a ban on free alcohol in gambling establishments has been introduced, and restrictions on the use of gambling organizers' brands in sports have been established. Other changes have not yet been adopted. Back in June 2022, the Saeima supported in the first reading raising the minimum age of players to 21 years and tightening requirements for the location of gaming halls. In particular, it was proposed to limit their operation in residential buildings and near educational institutions. However, no final decision was made on these proposals at that time. ### The Constitutional Court allowed restrictions in Daugavpils In recent years, the issue of the placement of gaming halls has repeatedly become a subject of disputes between municipalities and the gambling business. Some municipalities have tried to significantly limit the activities of gambling establishments, but their decisions were challenged in the Constitutional Court. Thus, the court found the restrictions imposed in the Kekava region and Riga to be insufficiently justified. In both cases, the problems were related to the justification of the bans and the assessment of specific areas. At the same time, last Friday, the Constitutional Court recognized the restrictions established in Daugavpils as permissible. The city banned organizing gambling closer than 150 meters to certain buildings, including apartment buildings and schools. The court concluded that the municipality sufficiently justified such a decision while preserving the possibility of organizing gambling in other parts of the city. The decision emphasizes that limiting the availability of gambling establishments reduces the likelihood of their unplanned visits and helps reduce the risk of developing addiction. ### The gambling business warns about illegal sites Representatives of the gambling industry oppose some of the proposed changes. In their opinion, the bill, which has been in development for several years, no longer fully corresponds to the current situation in the market. Industry representatives also warn that additional restrictions for licensed operators may push some players to use illegal online platforms. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Finance considers it necessary to continue working on the amendments. The final decision on what specific restrictions will be introduced and when they will come into effect will be made by the next composition of the Saeima.
