Latvia’s gambling industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with online play overtaking brick-and-mortar venues in market share for the first time. Data from the Latvian Licensed Gambling Association (LLAB) shows that by mid-2025, online gambling captured 51% of total licensed revenue, continuing a trend that began in 2024.
In contrast, land-based casino and slot hall revenues have been on a steep decline—falling from an estimated €120 million in 2023 to €100 million in 2024, and just €45 million in the first half of 2025.
Juris Celmārs, Chairman of OlyBet Group Latvia and Olympic Casino Latvia, noted that customers are increasingly drawn to interactive, at-home entertainment options, further accelerated by improvements in mobile gaming and payment systems.
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The decline may be compounded by upcoming amendments to the Gambling and Lottery Law, which could force physical venues to adopt “invisibility” facades, minimizing their presence in public spaces. Celmārs has urged for clear, consistent municipal guidelines to manage these changes.
With over 1,000 people employed in the land-based sector, the shift raises questions about how Latvia will balance economic impact, consumer protection, and digital innovation in its evolving gambling landscape.
