Online poker is legal in Latvia under a regulated licensing framework established by the Gambling and Lotteries Law. Latvia permits interactive gambling including card games such as poker, provided operators obtain proper licensing from the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (1). The Ministry of Finance serves as the leading public administration authority responsible for forming gambling policy, with the purpose of protecting society and player interests (1).
To operate gambling in Latvia, a capital company registered in Latvia with a minimum share capital of 1,400,000 euros must act as the operator (1). Interactive gambling is defined as gambling in which players participate using electronic communication services. Operators can choose between a fully fledged gambling licence enabling both land-based and online services, or an interactive gambling licence for online services only (2).
"An online gambling operator can lawfully provide its services to a customer located in Latvia only if it has a valid gambling licence."
The Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection, under the subordination of the Ministry of Finance, controls and supervises compliance with the legal framework (1). The Inspectorate blocks illegal gambling sites and has blacklisted over 1,500 gambling domains (2). Financial institutions and internet service providers must report Latvian citizens attempting to transact with unauthorized gambling sites, with individuals facing administrative fines up to €350 per incident.
Source:
https://www.fm.gov.lv/en/policy-organization-lotteries-gambling-and-lotteries-goods-and-services
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a40a8953-795b-4dec-9561-15c3245c6093
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
