Obtaining a gambling license in Latvia

Gambling license in Latvia

The gambling industry holds a significant position in the Republic of Latvia. Like any other economic activity, this sector requires providing guarantees to clients and investors, as well as legalizing gambling operations through proper licensing and certification.

Law&Trust International specialists provide full legal support throughout the licensing process. Our comprehensive services include consultations, document preparation, translation, and verification of submitted forms and declarations to ensure compliance with Latvian legislation. Before submitting an application, it is essential to determine the specific license type required. Latvia offers two main types of gambling licenses: land-based and online.

Key Features of Latvia

Unlimited license validity;
Minimum player age set at 21;
Application processing time – 3 months.

Who Needs a Gambling License in Latvia

A Latvian gambling license is suitable for companies seeking to legally operate in Latvia or target the European market. Key business categories requiring a license include:

Online Casinos & Gambling Platforms: slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, live casinos, crypto casinos.
Sports Betting Operators: football, tennis, basketball, esports betting, political and entertainment betting (with restrictions).
Lotteries & Betting Exchanges: state and private lotteries, bingo, instant lotteries, betting exchanges.
Land-Based Casinos & Venues: casinos in Riga and Jurmala, slot machines in bars and hotels, poker rooms.
Gaming Software & Platform Providers: B2B licenses for software suppliers and payment solution providers.

Why a Gambling License is Needed in Latvia

A Latvian gambling license opens opportunities for legal gambling operations both within the country and in international markets:

Legal status of the operator, protection from blocking.
Access to banks and payment systems (Visa/Mastercard, SEPA, cryptocurrencies).
Reduced tax rate: 10% of GGR, for offline casinos – 25%.
Player loyalty to licensed operators.
Permission to work with cryptocurrencies under AML compliance.

Requirements for Obtaining a Gambling License

All software and equipment must be certified.
At least one director must be an EU resident; 50% of the board must be EU residents.
Shareholder restriction: non-EU ownership capped at 49%.
Impeccable reputation of executives.
Minimum share capital: €1,400,000 (for joint-stock companies).

Documents required to obtain a license in Latvia

Identity documents of executives.
Financial statements for the last reporting quarters.
Proof of origin of shareholder and company funds.
Certificates for software and equipment.

The Gambling License Application Process in Latvia

Registration of a legal entity in Latvia

A joint stock company (AS) with a minimum authorized capital of 1,400,000 euros.
Collection and preparation of documents

Business plan, information about key persons, confirmation of funding sources, certification of software and equipment.
Submission of the application to the Inspectorate for the Supervision of Gambling (IAUI)

At this stage, a one-time government license review fee of €427,000 is paid. For online casinos, the fee is €200,000
Despite the indefinite nature of the license, annual re-registration is mandatory.
Additionally

to the license itself for each type of gambling, you may also need proof of compliance with the Responsible Gaming Policy, software quality assurance, e-Cogra certification and other approvals, for a full list of which you can check with Law&Trust.

Our Services

Law&Trust International provides a full range of legal and consulting services for obtaining a gambling license in Latvia. We handle all stages of registration – from company formation to full legal support after obtaining a license.

Consultations and selection of optimal solutions;
Support with company registration;
Preparation and submission of documents to the regulator;
Legal support during Due Diligence;
Tax and payment solution optimization;
Post-license support.
Registration of company in Latvia
Tax planning abroad - problems and challenges

F.A.Q.

Are there any hidden restrictions on RTP (Return to Player) in slot games?

Yes, the regulator requires a minimum RTP of 92% for all games. Dynamically changing RTP values are prohibited. The exact RTP must be clearly stated in the game rules.

How is AML policy compliance tested in practice?

Test transactions are conducted. Special agents initiate “suspicious” transfers to assess the response speed of the compliance department. The system may also be tested using transactions from individuals with surnames matching sanctioned persons.

Can a gambling license be used for operating through a Telegram bot?

Technically yes, but a separate interface approval may be required. Full KYC verification of all users is mandatory, and anonymous payments through the bot are strictly prohibited.

How are bonuses accounted for in tax reporting?

Bonus funds are treated as revenue upon issuance. Tax is charged upon wagering, not upon withdrawal. Separate accounting is required for each bonus offer.

Can a license be obtained for a blockchain casino without KYC?

No. Even for DeFi projects, identification is mandatory for withdrawals over €500. In addition, smart contract transactions must be monitored, and cooperation with crypto-analytics services is required.

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