Oct11
Latvia Introduces Self-Exclusion Scheme; Players Can Self-Deny from Gambling up to 12 Months
January 6, 2020 Aleksandra Zolotic
Starting January 1, players in Latvia got the chance to restrain themselves from gambling up to 12 months, thanks to the introduction of the self-exclusion scheme. The was established under the Gambling and Lotteries Law, and it’s the responsibility of the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Authority (IAUI).
The scheme refers both to interactive and land-based activities. The initiative represents just one of the numerous measures the IAUI has implemented in an effort to clamp down on problem gambling in the country.
Protecting Public Interest
Players who are interested in enrolling in the can submit a written request to the regulator if they want to limit themselves from the activities at any of the online venues. In case they want to self-exclude from gambling at land-based facilities, they will be able to do so in person or in written form at the gaming site.
The IAUI’s statement says:
“The purpose of the 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 exclusion applies to participation in all statutory gambling and interactive lotteries.”
In November the body pointed out that 127 individuals had accessed new, state-funded psychologist assistance for consumers affected by gambling-related issues during its first four months.
Leveling-up Taxes
In addition to this, the Parliament also signed off on strategies for more gambling taxes and fees to be delegated to the country’s national budget. At the time being, the state receives 75% of these funds, with the other 25% being sent out to municipalities where gambling establishments are accommodated.
The state’s parliament approved suggestions…
… to raise certain land-based gaming taxes in the country, including the measures in the 2020 budget, which came into effect from 1 January 2020. The initial proposals, which are seen to affect slot machines, roulettes, cards, and dice games were initially proposed in October 2019.
The flat fee to be implemented on each slot machine in operation in Latvia will grow from €4,164 (£3,566/$4,602) to €5,172. Besides this, operators of roulette and table games will be imposed an annual fee of €28,080 per gaming table they operate, which is bigger than the current fee of €23,400.
October 2019 was also marked with a new brand made available to the Latvian audience. SYNOT Games agreed the deal with the leading Latvian online gaming site, 11.lv, to offer its suite of products to the new spectrum of players.
Source:
“Latvia’s self-exclusion scheme launched”, igamingbusiness.com, January 3, 2020.
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It’s nice to know that countries worldwide are getting more and more aware of the huge importance of self-exclusion as an excellent way to protect the players and take safety to an upper level.