Latvia will push forward its gambling reforms sooner than planned. Finance minister Arvils Ašeradens said the government intends to raise gambling taxes earlier and to shut down the current regulator, the Lottery and Gambling Supervision Inspectorate (IAUI), ahead of schedule.
The IAUI will be folded into the State Revenue Service (SRS) on April 1, 2026, according to ministry plans. Officials say the change will cut duplication, strengthen oversight, and put licensing, tax collection, enforcement, and anti-money laundering under one authority.
“The new structure will accelerate management integration, optimise resource use and improve service delivery,” Ašeradens said.
The tax increases will take effect on January 1, 2026. Fees for physical slot machines will rise from €6,204 to €7,440per year. Table games like roulette, cards, and dice will be taxed at €40,440, up from €33,696.
Revenue-based gambling taxes will also climb. Telephone-based games, betting, and wagering will face an 18% rate(up from 15%). Bingo will move to 12% (previously 10%), and online gambling to 15% (up from 12%).
The Finance Ministry projects an additional €9.2m from the changes. Around €9m will flow to the national budget, while €175,000 will be allocated to municipalities. Officials said the measures are part of a larger fiscal package aimed at raising €565m annually.
That money has already been earmarked: €320m for national security, €94.8m for family welfare, and €45m for education. Other tax increases, including phased hikes on alcohol and tobacco, will support the plan.
Analysts note the overhaul mirrors steps taken in other EU states, where tax centralisation and higher gambling levies have been used to boost revenue while tightening oversight.
About the Author
Daniel is a content creator at Mr Win and has worked in the iGaming industry since 2012. With more than a decade of experience reviewing casino operators and bonuses, he focuses on safe play, licensing standards, and helping players find fair gaming sites.