Latvia's ban on gambling advertising not enforced, experts say
Despite a 17-year ban on gambling advertising in Latvia, it is still freely visible and audible on different websites and TV channels, leading experts to acknowledge that the ban is not enforced
Despite a 17-year ban on gambling advertising in Latvia, advertisements can still be found on both internet portals and television channels, both within and outside of the country, and the ban is rarely enforced, experts have told Latvian Radio.
This situation may pose a threat to the country's self-excluded and addicted gamblers, who could be reinvigorated to resume their habits through advertisements they encounter, the experts say.
Furthermore, the current advertising ban creates an unfair advantage for the state capital company, Latvijas Loto, which owns exclusive rights to organise lotteries, draws, and interactive lotteries.