This story was published more than 5 years ago.
This week the Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (IAUI) announced a new initiative where addicted gamblers can get access to state-funded psychology services.
The services will be held on weekdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and will be held by psychologist Magdalēna Pranaite. The services are open to addicted gamblers as well as families and friends who've been negatively impacted by problem betting. Those interested in attending can do so at the IAUI's location in Riga.
Commenting on the services an IAUI spokesperson said, "When gambling becomes addictive, not only the player suffers, but also people close to them and they need the help of their whole family.
"A psychologist can help them take this first step, which involves recognising, accepting and finding solutions to a problem."
 Roaring 21 Casino | Play |
 Slots.lv | Play |
 Everygame Casino | Play |
 Casino Extreme | Play |
 Slotland | Play |
 Bovada Casino | Play |
Comments
That's pretty cool to see a regulator offering direct help like that. I hope it's a successful program.
sharpe
Yeah I'm agree with you Slim, it looks that could be a quite useful program really.
Never heard of such a program elsewhere, I mean particularly for a psychological help and I think it's great idea more so if it's free for the players.
It's a good initiative, yet there is one bigger problem.
In Latvia there are something like 8-10 registered casinos and it is impossible to access any other casinos from Latvian IP as IAUI blocks access to decent casinos.
Can You see one decent casino in the list here? https://www.iaui.gov.lv/en/gambling-and-lotteries-organizers
I guess not.
Yet the biggest problem here are slot houses with stupid slots that pay out zero to none. I live in a small town with approx 6000 people and there are 4 slot halls - 2x Joker, Aladins and Klondaika. And there are people basically living there. Also, maybe half a year or so ago, two drunks who ran out of money went to their neighbors house and killed an elderly couple just to steal 400€ for gambling.
What I am trying to say is that the idiotic government are trying to limit access to online casinos with mega fees (it is more expensive to get Latvian casino licence than in UK) and just letting people destry their lives in slot halls that have payout % around 20-25%. The government here is bullshit.
2 CL-Ed, sharpe