News
Offline vs. Online Betting in Latvia: A Comparative Analysis
If you’re a betting enthusiast in Latvia, you have two options: offline or online betting. Both have their pros and cons, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your overall experience. Offline betting is the traditional way of placing bets in a betting shop, while online betting is done remotely, via the internet, using a computer, tablet or phone. In this article, we’ll compare offline vs. online betting in Latvia, so you can make an informed decision.
When it comes to offline betting, you get to experience the thrill of placing bets in a physical location with a group of people. You can interact with other bettors, share tips and tricks, and enjoy the atmosphere of a betting shop. However, offline betting can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially if you don’t live close to a betting shop. Additionally, you may have to deal with long lines, limited betting options, and strict opening hours.
On the other hand, online betting offers convenience and flexibility. You can place bets from anywhere, at any time, and have access to a wider range of betting options. Online betting also allows you to take advantage of bonuses and promotions, which can increase your chances of winning. However, online betting can be less social and less immersive than offline betting, and there is a risk of addiction and fraud.
Regulatory Landscape and Compliance
Latvian Gambling Laws
In Latvia, gambling is regulated by the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (IAUI). The IAUI is responsible for ensuring that all gambling activities in the country are legal and fair. The IAUI also issues licenses to operators who wish to offer gambling services in Latvia.
The Latvian gambling laws apply to both online and offline gambling. The IAUI has implemented strict regulations to ensure that all gambling activities are conducted in a safe and fair manner. These regulations cover areas such as player protection, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering.
Online vs. Offline Regulation
The regulatory landscape for online and offline gambling in Latvia is quite similar. Both types of gambling must adhere to the same laws and regulations. However, there are some differences in the way that these regulations are enforced.
Offline gambling activities, such as land-based casinos and betting shops, are subject to regular inspections by the IAUI. These inspections are designed to ensure that the operators are complying with all relevant laws and regulations. The IAUI also has the power to revoke licenses if an operator is found to be in breach of these regulations.
Online gambling operators are also subject to strict regulations. They must obtain a license from the IAUI before they can offer their services to Latvian residents. The IAUI also monitors online gambling activities to ensure that they are being conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
In conclusion, the Latvian gambling laws apply to both online and offline gambling. The IAUI has implemented strict regulations to ensure that all gambling activities in the country are conducted in a safe and fair manner. Both types of gambling must adhere to the same laws and regulations, but there are some differences in the way that these regulations are enforced.
Consumer Preferences and Market Dynamics
Demographics of Bettors
When it comes to offline betting in Latvia, it is mostly popular among middle-aged men who prefer to place their bets in traditional brick-and-mortar betting shops. According to Statista, nearly 10% of U.S. adults who bet on online and in-person casino games did so at least once a week as of September 2021. However, in Latvia, the trend is towards online betting, with more and more people starting to prefer the convenience and accessibility of online betting platforms.
Technological Influence on Betting
The rise of technology has had a significant impact on the betting industry in Latvia. With the increasing availability of smartphones and mobile internet, more and more people are opting for online betting platforms that offer a seamless and user-friendly experience. In addition, online betting platforms offer a wider range of betting options and better odds compared to traditional betting shops. This has led to a decline in the popularity of offline betting in Latvia.
Economic Impact and Growth
The betting industry is a significant contributor to the Latvian economy, with both offline and online betting generating substantial revenue for the country. According to Statista, the global online sports betting market is expected to achieve a revenue of US$49.96bn by 2024, indicating an annual growth rate of 7.68% (CAGR 2024-2028). In Latvia, the growth of the online betting industry is expected to continue, with more and more people turning to online betting platforms.
Affiliate Success
ReferOn Wins Prestigious “Best Affiliate Software 2025” at SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards
A milestone achievement as ReferOn continues to impress
ReferOn, the next-generation affiliate management platform, has taken the title of “Best Affiliate Software 2025” at the SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards, held in Rome.
The award recognises ReferOn’s rapid growth in becoming a leader in iGaming. It distinguishes the platform for its cutting-edge architecture, exceptional product innovations, and measurable impact on affiliate operations.
Redefining Affiliate Management
In a short amount of time since its inception, ReferOn has become one of the most recognised names in affiliate technology, leading the way by creating user-centric features that help the real needs of affiliate managers.
The platform recorded rapid adoption, supporting an influx of tens of thousands of affiliates and millions of clicks while continuously evolving and growing with new features and refinements. The platform’s approach to innovation and user-facing experiences is its new living interface, Refie. Refie brings awareness and human-like interaction to the platform, helping make affiliate operations more personable and accessible.
Building Beyond the Standard
Alex Bukin, General Manager at ReferOn, commented on the win, “This award is more than recognition. It empowers and validates our team, encouraging us never to stop building. At ReferOn, we always aim to shape how affiliate marketing should work. At its core, it should be simple, transparent, and powerful. Every new integration and feature comes from a team that deeply understands the product and what real affiliate managers need. This helps us refine our platform to be the best it can be. And we’re only getting started!”
Continued Momentum
ReferOn’s win at SiGMA Central Europe marks another significant achievement. In 2025, the platform conducted multiple migrations and released groundbreaking features to transform affiliate operations. Its sights are set on 2026 — a year that will be focused on product refinements, sustainable growth through key industry partnerships, and delivering more key solutions for real affiliate managers.
Affiliate Success
Casino Guru secures SiGMA Central Europe B2C Awards’ Best Affiliate 2025 distinction
Casino Guru has won the “Best Affiliate 2025” category at the SiGMA Central Europe B2C Awards, distinguishing the company’s efforts in delivering the best online casino database and guiding players to the safest casinos of their choice.
Via Tuscolana hosted the ceremony on Tuesday, November 4, in Rome, Italy, distinguishing a number of companies, among which was Casino Guru, which secured the landmark accolade for itself.
Commenting on the win, Casino Guru’s Head of Casino Research, Matej Novota, said: “Winning the Best Affiliate 2025 award at the SiGMA Central Europe B2C Awards is a meaningful milestone for us as we approach the end of the year. At Casino Guru, we are honored to be recognized in this category. Our mission has always been to build the world’s most comprehensive online casino database and to offer impartial insights that empower players to make informed decisions. This award strengthens our resolve to continue serving as a trusted bridge between players and operators, while upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness in everything we do.”
Casino Guru has been awarded for its unflagging commitment to providing players with the most reliable up-to-date information about casinos and bonuses.
At its core, Casino Guru is committed to making the gambling industry safer and promoting best practices in Responsible Gaming. The company plays an active role in shaping these standards, drawing on its extensive experience, expertise, and firmly held values of fairness, integrity, and transparency.
Platforms such as the Global Self-Exclusion Initiative and Casino Guru Academy have been created to foster a better understanding of Responsible Gambling and how players and industry professionals can leverage it to their benefit.
Notably, the Casino Guru Awards have become a trend-setter in actively encouraging change on the part of industry stakeholders, and distinguishing deserving individuals and companies across numerous categories, such as Rising Star in Responsible Gambling, Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative, Fairest Bonus Policy, Industry Culture Shaper, and more.
Casino Guru has worked tirelessly, developing the world’s most complicated ranking system, the Safety Index, which carefully examines each casino’s offer, focusing on criteria favored by players, and issues an objective score that is also regularly updated.
Besides the Safety Index, Casino Guru has launched and maintains a world-beating independent adjudication service, the Complaint Resolution Center, which has returned more than $50m to players, including closing cases that involved more than $1m disputed by a single player.
Casino Guru is proud to receive the latest accolade from the SiGMA Central Europe B2C Awards, celebrating the company’s commitment to making gambling safer and better for everyone out there.
Conferences
Palms Bet Takes Center Stage as General Sponsor of the EEGS Affiliate Conference
The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is proud to announce Palms Bet as the General Sponsor of this year’s Affiliate Conference, taking place alongside EEGS 2025 – where innovation, regulation, and strategic collaboration converge.
As one of Bulgaria’s leading gaming and entertainment brands, Palms Bet has played a pivotal role in shaping the local and regional iGaming landscape. Its continued investment in digital innovation and affiliate partnerships reflects a deep commitment to responsible growth and industry excellence.
The Affiliate Conference at EEGS will gather affiliate leaders, operators, digital marketers, and regulators to explore the evolving landscape of player acquisition, data-driven marketing, and compliance in regulated markets.
Through its support, Palms Bet reinforces the mission of EEGS — to create a dynamic space for learning, networking, and advancing the future of the gaming and affiliate ecosystem across Europe.
🎯 Save the date:
🗓️ 26 November 2025
📍 Inter Expo Center, Sofia
Join us for an inspiring edition of EEGS and the Affiliate Conference, powered by Palms Bet!
Let’s shape the future of iGaming together – where innovation meets collaboration, and affiliates lead the way!
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Affiliate Success7 days agoCasino Guru secures SiGMA Central Europe B2C Awards’ Best Affiliate 2025 distinction
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Conferences1 week agoPalms Bet Takes Center Stage as General Sponsor of the EEGS Affiliate Conference
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Affiliate Success3 days agoReferOn Wins Prestigious “Best Affiliate Software 2025” at SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards

