Riga Plans to Restrict Gambling
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Loading... - Nubia Bakir
- 28 Mar 2025
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During the committee meeting, it was highlighted that a public survey conducted during the drafting process revealed that approximately half of the population believes that gambling halls in the capital should be closed, while a significant portion supports at least some restrictions on their operation.
The new regulations aim to prohibit gambling venues in specific locations deemed sensitive or inappropriate for such activities. Key restrictions include:
- Proximity to Educational Institutions: Gambling venues will not be allowed near schools and other educational establishments, with a buffer zone of 300 meters.
- Transport Hubs: The regulations will also restrict gambling venues from being located near railway stations, bus stations, airports, and passenger ports, with a buffer of 500 meters.
- Residential Areas: Gambling will be prohibited in areas designated for detached, low-rise, and high-rise residential buildings, as defined in the Riga Territorial Plan, and within 300 meters of these zones.
- Cultural Monuments: The regulations will extend to cultural monuments and their territories, including protection zones.
Unlike previous restrictions that banned gambling across the entire city except in four- and five-star hotels, the new regulations provide a more nuanced approach by defining specific areas where gambling will not be permitted.
Goals and Implementation
The primary goal of these restrictions is to protect the population from the widespread visibility and accessibility of gambling venues in urban environments. By reducing the risk of impulsive gambling behavior during daily routines, the municipality aims to promote public health and well-being.
Municipal representatives have emphasized that these restrictions will not cover the entire municipal territory and will not impede the rights of commercial entities to open or expand gambling venues within four- and five-star hotels.
A five-year transition period is planned for enforcing the new restrictions, starting from the date when the municipality revokes previously issued permits. This transition period will allow existing gambling operators to adjust to the new regulations.
Historical Context
The decision to impose these restrictions follows a history of regulatory changes in Riga. Six years ago, the Riga City Council closed 42 gambling halls located in the city’s historical center and its protection zone, allowing exceptions only for four- and five-star hotels. Efforts to extend these closures to other parts of the city were included in the 2021 territorial plan but faced temporary suspension by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development.
In autumn 2023, the Riga City Council decided to revoke 139 permits for gambling venues outside the city center. However, this decision was met with complaints from gambling operators, leading to a ruling by the Constitutional Court that deemed a blanket ban on gambling across the entire city unconstitutional. The Court urged the municipality to justify restrictions based on the specific characteristics of each location.
In response, the municipality has developed a new set of binding regulations with clearly defined criteria for evaluating city areas and identifying specific locations where gambling will not be allowed.
The Riga City Council's proposed regulations represent a proactive approach to managing gambling in the city, reflecting public sentiment and legal considerations. By implementing these restrictions, the municipality aims to create a healthier urban environment while balancing the interests of commercial entities. The final decision on these regulations will be made at the Riga City Council meeting on March 26, marking a pivotal moment in the city's approach to gambling regulation.
