Frequently asked questions
How to gamble responsibly?
Rules below can help to have a safe gambling experience:
- Gamble within affordable to you limits.
- Do not chase losses. Don't try to get your money back quickly – it could cause more trouble.
- Track your playing time.
- In addition to gambling, find time for other activities. If gambling is your only entertainment, think about whether it's really worth it.
- Take a break from time to time. If you gamble constantly, you may lose your sense of time and reality.
- Do not gamble if you are drunk, irritated, or depressed. It can be crucial to decision-making.
- Think about how much time and money you spend on gambling.
- Learn about your chances of winning and how the products work.
- If you feel that something is wrong – seek help!
What are the risks of gambling?
- Speed and "autoplay"
The pace of the game significantly affects the level of risk. The shorter the interval between the action and the result, the higher the risk. - Sound and Design
Slot machines use various sound effects and visual elements to capture players' attention as much as possible. These elements, which can be addictive, significantly increase the risk of dependence. - Continuous Play
Playing for extended periods without breaks significantly increases the risk. The longer you play, the higher the likelihood that you will spend more than you originally planned. - Raising Bets
To intensify the excitement, players may constantly increase their bets, which over time can lead to losing control over the game. - Chances of Winning
Winning brings a sense of success and happiness. A few small wins can create the illusion of increased chances of winning, thereby increasing the risk of gambling addiction.
Where can I get help if I think I might have a gambling addiction?
Always remember, it is okay to ask for help. If you feel that you need some, make sure to contact:
- The Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspectorate offers free psychological counseling and weekly support groups for gamblers and their loved ones.
To apply for a psychologist's consultation, call 67 504 966 or write to psihologs@iaui.gov.lv. - Gamblers Anonymous
Phone: +371 24667656
E-mail: ga.latvija@gmail.com
https://as.org.lv/ - State Narcology Agency
Department of Minnesota Programme
Phone: +371 67080112
https://rpnc.lv/arstnieciba-un-aprupe/minesotas-programma/ - Riga Centre for Prevention of Addictions
E-mail: info@narcomania.lv
http://www.narcomania.lv Therapy For Gambling Addiction
https://www.gamblingtherapy.org
How can I know if I should consider taking a break from gambling?
To determine whether you should take a break from gambling, answer the following questions:
- Do you often play longer than you planned?
- Have you ever gambled during work hours?
- Do you feel the need to quickly win back your losses after losing?
- Have you ever borrowed money or sold something to gamble with the money you received?
- Has your gambling ever threatened your job, education, or relationships with close people?
- Have you ever played until you ran out of money?
- If you win, do you feel the urge to continue playing to win even more?
- Do you have debts because of gambling?
- Have you ever gambled to win money to pay off debts?
If you are concerned about your test results, we recommend visiting our responsible gaming page here and consider taking a break from gambling. You can find more information on the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection's webpage.
From what age is it legal to visit casinos?
According to the Republic of Latvia legislation, you can visit a casino upon reaching the age of 18 and with identification documents.
How can I exclude myself from gambling?
There are 2 ways to exclude yourself from gambling in Latvia:
- in the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection;
- remotely via electronic form, using electronic authentication.
I have exclude myself from gambling, can I lift that self-exclusion?
Neither you nor we can lift the gambling self-exclusion you set for yourself ahead of time. You will have to wait until the limit expires after the time you selected.
Why am I not winning?
Casino games, including slots, card games and roulette, are based on chance and cannot be influenced in any way. The principle of randomness is that the result of each round is completely independent of previous rounds, i.e. the number of rounds played does not affect the chances of winning.
To manage your gambling expenses, you can set one or more limits for yourself: how often you will visit the casino, how much time you will spend playing, the amount of money you are willing to lose in a single visit, and the amount you will stop playing after winning.
We recommend that you read our responsible gaming principles here.
Check out the rules and act responsibly!