Compare Online Casinos in Latvia

Let’s look at the main criteria we take into consideration when writing casino reviews:

Welcome bonus

Nearly every online casino you visit will offer a welcome bonus for new customers. When reviewing these bonuses, not only do we consider the size, but we also pay close attention to terms and conditions. Some online casinos offer huge bonuses, but it may turn out that strict terms and conditions apply. We make sure that bonuses are generous, fair, and easy to activate.

Registration process

We have registered in numerous online casinos, so we do know that this process does not have to be complicated. When evaluating online casinos, we always check how easy it is to create a player’s account and whether it is necessary to provide your personal information. Most casinos only require basic information, but if you have to provide more specific personal information, it might not be a safe site to register.

Safety and reliability

Safety and reliability of online casinos – are the two aspects that gamblers often lose sight of, for example, making sure you do not get scammed when receiving winnings. We always make sure online casinos have a gambling licence. We also take extra time to check that a given online casino has not received any complaints in relation to fraudulent practices.

Special offers

The best online casinos take care of their regular customers. We review special offers available to existing customers and assess how easy it is for a player to receive free bets, cashback bonuses, and other exciting offers.

Payment methods

We believe that payment methods are one of the most important criteria. In addition to a wide range of payment methods, online casinos should also offer convenient and secure payments.

Range of games

Not all casinos offer the same games, some sites will have a broader and more diverse selection. We look at the entire selection on offer, including video slot machines and progressive slots, table games and live casino broadcasts. Typically, the best casinos will offer a full range of games and genres.

Game developers

Another important criterion is high-quality games, so it is important to check what game developers are being presented. Trusted online casinos collaborate with recognised game developers, which is why our experts assess online casinos based on the proposed game developers.

Website optimisation for mobile devices

Mobile games have become one of the most popular ways to enjoy casino games. We assess whether online casinos support mobile versions of games and whether an app is available for download. When evaluating an online casino, we make sure it operates well on different devices.

Customer support centre

Modern online casinos must be able to provide regular support and prompt solutions to their customers. In top casinos, a customer support centre will be available 24/7, as well as a live chat function, so you will not have to wait more than 5-10 minutes to get an answer.

VIP opportunities

Many top casinos sign up their regular customers for VIP or loyalty programmes. Such programmes include special discounts, amazing special offers, closed tournaments, and other rewards. We always examine the terms and conditions and benefits of any VIP programme, in order to provide you with all the information you need in one place.

Casino bonuses are special promos that online casinos offer to their players. Some of the bonuses are: a no deposit bonus, risk-free spins, first deposit bonus, free spins, and a welcome bonus. Read on to learn more about every type of bonus.

Risk-free spins

This is a very popular bonus because with free spins there is no risk of losing your own money, regardless of the outcome of a game. If you win – you collect your winnings, if you lose – you get your deposit back.

First deposit bonus

The first deposit bonus is one of the most popular casino bonuses. To receive this bonus, you need to create a new account and make the first minimum deposit with or without a bonus code. As a rule of thumb, you will get a 100% bonus and free spins. However, you will have to meet certain turnover requirements before you can request a payout. Prior to accepting the casino’s first deposit bonus, please review their terms and conditions.

Free spins

Some online casinos offer free spins to their customers. You do not have to make your first deposit to receive this bonus. All you need to do is activate free spins in the bonus section of your user account. If this bonus is activated automatically, you just need to find a game where you can use free spins.

Welcome bonus

This is a bonus that you receive upon registration.

The main types of welcome bonuses

• Bonus awarded automatically. This type of bonus is added to a user account automatically upon registration. On some occasions, you will be required to verify your phone number.
• Bonus awarded upon request. Bonus is awarded upon customer’s request, this can be done by contacting a technical support centre.
  
• Bonus with a promo code. To receive this online casino registration bonus, enter a special promo code upon registration.
  

A welcome bonus can take the following forms

• Real money. You will receive a certain amount of money in your user account, which you can use for betting or playing a specific slot machine, or any of the specified slots.
• Free spins. You will receive free spins as your welcome bonus.
  
• Every opportunity has its advantages. Make sure you evaluate bonus offers to decide whether they are suitable. Good luck!
  

Table games

Table games are an integral part of every online casino site. When playing table games, punters typically sit at a virtual table that has been set up specifically for that particular game. A dealer leads the game and manages all payments. There are many different types of table games and each has its own unique set of rules. Some of the most popular table games are blackjack, poker, bingo, and roulette.

Poker

Poker is a popular card game, which has its roots in the 19th century in the US. There are many versions of poker but the most popular is Texas Hold’em. It is played with a 52-card deck with two cards dealt to each player. The purpose of the game is to create a combination of the highest-ranking cards from what is available or remain the last active player. There are three rounds of betting in this game with five cards dealt face-up in the middle of the table, which players can use to form combinations. Various poker tournaments are held on a regular basis, with some prize pools even reaching $1m.

Blackjack

There are many variations of blackjack, which can be found in both, land-based and online casinos. Read on and learn about some of the most popular types of blackjack.

• Spanish 21
• Pontoon
  
• Bonus blackjack
  
• European blackjack
  
• American blackjack
  

Despite the obvious strategic element, it is often the case that the outcome of a game depends heavily on luck. However, if you are serious about winning in blackjack, we encourage you to try the following blackjack strategies:

• Basic strategy
• Card counting strategy etc.
  

Craps, aka a dice game

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll of a pair of dice. Players have the following options: wager money against each another, which is called “street craps,” or wager money against a bank – “casino craps.” This game has one of the highest probabilities of winning if you place the right bets. For example, bets like Pass line and Don’t pass line offer superb mathematical advantages — 1.41% and 1.36%.

Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular games among both, land-based and online casino visitors. Players simply have to pick numbers and wait to see if they have chosen the right ones. Despite the simplicity of this old game, it is possible to apply different strategies to increase the odds of winning. There are many variations of roulette, such as:

• European roulette
• American roulette
  
• French roulette
  
• Triple zero roulette etc.
  

Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the oldest card games in Europe. Pure luck is not the only requirement to win this game, you also need a clear understanding of the essence of this game. You should first explore available game variations, types of strategies, and key advice from gambling experts.

Bingo

Bingo is a game of luck. This means that you have to be either lucky or sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled to win. The key rule that you need to know to play online bingo is that in order to win, you need to mark off numbers on your bingo card, filling out either a line or marking off the entire card, as numbers are being drawn randomly by a caller.

Online lotteries

Online lotteries provide a simple gambling experience. Compared to time-consuming slot machines and hours spent sitting at a poker or baccarat table, an online lottery is an instant win game. Online lotteries are practically identical to physical scratchcards. When playing online, it will take just a few minutes to find out whether you have won! Nowadays, you can find hundreds of instant lottery variations online, so you will not get bored, that’s for sure.

Slot machines

Although there are hundreds of different slots, all of them fall into one of the below six categories. They all have their own unique game features and it is important for every player to understand these differences. Here is the list of the following six types of slots:

• Classic slots (or 3 reel slots)
• 5 reel slots (or video slots)
  
• 6 and 7 reel slots
  
• Progressive slots (or progressive jackpot)
  
• Interactive slots
  
• Virtual reality (VR) slots
  

Return to Player (RTP)

Return to player (RTP) indicator is based on the statistics that measures how much money wagered in a game is returned to a player over time. It is expressed as a percentage. The higher RTP, the better chances for the player. RTP is determined by a game software developer and is calculated on the basis of the total amount wagered divided by the total amount paid out to players. For example, if RTP is 97, it means that on average for every $100 wagered in a game, $97 will be paid out. This number is calculated during the game, so temporary fluctuations are expected.

Free casino games

Casino-latvija.com offers free casino games that can be played free of charge. Whether you are a fan of slots or prefer classics, you will easily find a game that suits your taste and needs. The assortment also includes progressive jackpot games and the most popular casino game in Latvia – Book of Ra.

Live casino was introduced in the 1990s when live video streaming was possible. One of the casinos’ newest additions is the opportunity to play casino latvia games live with a dealer.

How to play live casino games?

1. Find a safe online casino and create an account
2. Select your favourite live game from the proposed assortment
   
3. Open the game. You will then see the game menu and chat icon
   

The most popular live casino games

The most popular live casino games are:

• Live Blackjack
• Live Roulette
  
• Live Baccarat
  

In Latvia, betting on various sports, entertainment, and political events is a popular activity. This is evidenced not only by the growing number of sports bookmakers but also by the sheer number of betting offers and events.

The most popular sports

Among dozens of different sports offered by bookmakers, players’ favourites are:

• Football
• Tennis
• Basketball
• Box
• Hockey
• E-sport

The most popular bets

Below is the list of the most popular bets. We recommend that you study it carefully to gain more knowledge and prepare for when you visit a sports betting site next time:

• Moneyline bet
• Handicap
• More/less (total)
  
• Parlay or combined bet
  
• Teaser or combined bet
  
• Prop or proposition bet
  
• Betting on both, winner and loser
  
• Betting on a future event
  
• In-game wagering
  

Bookmaker bonuses

Just like online casinos, bookmakers also offer a variety of bonuses to their players. The most popular of them are – a welcome bonus, risk-free bets and a deposit bonus.

Risk-free bets

The most popular bookmaker bonus is risk-free bets. Risk-free bets make it possible for a player to bet without any risk of losing their money. For example, you bet €5 on hockey. If your bet loses – you get your money back. If it wins – you get the winnings.

In Latvia there are two common methods of how to make a deposit in an online casino. One of them is a bank transfer, which is also the most popular method. Banks operate as a middleman between a player and an online casino. Bank transfers are also handled through online services, such as “Trustly.” The other, less used, but nonetheless popular method is bank cards. For a deposit to land in the player’s account, the player is required to enter their card details. An E-wallet is an alternative payment method.

Prize money tax has always been a topical issue among gamblers. Do I have to pay tax on winnings? What tax is applied to winnings? Following an amendment act that came into effect on the 1st of January 2018, a 23% income tax is applied to winnings over €3,000.

How to work out gambling winnings tax?

Suppose you have won €9000 playing casino games.

• €3000 from winnings are not taxable
• €6000 will be taxed
  
• €6000*0.23= 1380
  
• Your prize after tax: 9000-1380=€7620
  

• The procedures for the organisation of gambling and lotteries are governed by the Gambling and Lotteries law.
• Gambling and lotteries may be organised only after receipt of the licence from the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection.
  
• Online gambling is permitted in legal online casinos that have been licensed in Latvia.
  
• International casinos are not allowed to offer their services.
  
• The legal age for online gambling in Latvia is 18.
  
• In November 2019 amendments to the law and an increase in the gambling tax rate for land-based casinos in Latvia were approved. This proposal came into force on the 1st of January 2020 and impacts certain games – slots, roulette, dice, and card games.
  
• The majority of the revenue from the gambling tax must be allocated to the State budget. Although the original parliament proposal was 90%, the final agreed percentage is 95%, and the remaining 5% is to be allocated to the municipal budget where gambling is organised
  

Online gambling is a fast-growing industry in Latvia. Increasingly, new casinos emerge, posing competition to existing sites and those that have captured their own market share.

At present, some of the newest online casinos in Latvia are:

• Spelet.lv
• Spins.lv
  
• Joker

Spelet.lv

Spelet.lv quickly became one of the leading new online casinos in Latvia, offering players an exciting gambling experience that is hard to compete with. With a pleasant design, user-friendly website structure, and a wide selection of gambling options, Spelet.lv has carved out its place among the top online casinos in Latvia.

Spelet.lv offers new players a 33% Cashback bonus up to €300 + 50 risk-free spins, requiring a minimum deposit of €20 to claim.

Spins.lv

Spins.lv is also a relatively local new online casino, known for its variety of games. Starting with classic slot machines and ending with table and live casino games, Spins.lv offers a relatively wide range of games and bonuses. For new customers, Spins.lv offers 225 spins and a cashback bonus up to €225.

 Joker.lv

At first, Joker was one of the most popular gambling hall brands in Latvia. However, due to the increasing demand for online gambling in recent years, Joker decided to establish a presence in the Latvian online casino market by creating its online casino - Joker.lv, which is also licensed by the Latvian Republic's Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection. Joker.lv offers an introductory bonus of 250 risk-free spins with the bonus code 'Joker250.' The minimum deposit to receive the bonus is €20.

Although more and more online casino sites emerge in Latvia, traditional gambling halls have not lost their appeal in the eyes of players. A lot of people still visit land-based casinos for a sensational gambling experience, but also to socialise with other players and game-hall staff.

What gambling halls are available Latvia?

• Fenikss. This casino has been operating in Latvia since 2000 and has become a prominent leader in the gambling market in Latvia. In addition, it operates not only in the capital of Latvia, Riga, but also across 30 other cities in Latvia. It is open 24/7 and offers the latest and most popular games to its customers.
• Klondaika. This casino has been operating in Latvia since 1993. In total there are 25 bars and gambling clubs operating across 15 different cities in Latvia.
  
• Olympic. Olympic has been active in Latvia since 2002. There are more than 50 Olympic gaming halls operating in the largest Latvian cities.
  
• Joker. This casino has been running in Latvia since 1995. There are more than 62 gaming halls and sports bars in the largest cities of Latvia.
  
• Royal Casino Spa & Hotel Resort. This venue has been operating in Latvia since 2000 and has become the largest entertainment complex in the Baltics.
  
• Casino 777. The oldest gambling hall in Latvia.
  

Find your nearest gambling hall

• Riga
• Daugavpils
• Liepaja
• Jelgava
• Jurmala

Gambling is a form of entertainment that entails a lot of risk elements, so it is very important to play responsibly and to control yourself.

Gambling operators play an essential role in educating players and encouraging them to impose limits to protect them from unpleasant surprises. The proposed limits can vary. The most popular are deposit limits, turnover limits, loss and time limits. For example, by setting a deposit limit, you indicate the maximum amount of money you are allowed to deposit over a specified period of time. For safety purposes, any increase in the limit will take 7 days to come into force.

While limits are the most efficient way to enhance responsible gambling, healthy self-control and awareness of potential risks are also important. The key thing to remember is that gambling is entertainment and must never be seen as a source of profit.

Support available

“Spēles brīvība”

“Spēles brīvība” (Freedom of play) is an organisation that provides a gambling hotline you can call, regardless of whether you are a gambler who needs help with addiction or a relative of a compulsive gambler.

If you think you have a gambling addiction, please call +37129323202. The line is open from 12:00-20:00 (Monday to Saturday).

“Ģintermuiža” hospital

If you can no longer cope with your gambling addiction, you can look into social rehabilitation, which is provided by the PLCC Hospital “Ģintermuiža”. Please email slimnica@gintermuiza.lv or call one of the following reception numbers: 63007495, 63022770, 26164021.

“Anonīmie spēlmaņi” (Anonymous Gamblers)

If you are addicted to gambling and you are able to admit it yourself, “Anonīmie spēlmaņi” (Anonymous gamblers) is the right place to reach out to for help. You can apply for meetings organised for addicted gamblers by writing to ga.latvija@gmail.com or by calling +37124667656.

In today’s world technological development has opened many doors to growth and new opportunities! But sometimes these endless opportunities can lead to a lot of questions – what do I need to know when choosing an online casino site? What information do I need to find? Where to look for it? The Casino-latvija.com team has pulled together reference resources to help you make informed choices online.

Casino guide

The primary task of virtually every online casino guide is to give an insight into the most important things, i.e. registration process, welcome bonuses and offers for regular customers, how diverse are deposit and payout options, etc. The casino guide will provide you with all the necessary information to get you started.