The Latvian parliament has submitted a draft budget for 2020 that would increase the taxes on land-based gaming in the country, but leave online gaming unaffected.
The proposal would increase the flat fee levied on slot machines from €4,164 to €5,172 (US$5,743). Operators of roulette and table games would pay an annual fee of €28,080 (US$31,180) per gaming table they operate in 2020, up from €23,400 in 2019.
The proposal would also direct 90 percent of gaming taxes and fees to the national budget, with 10 percent left for the host regions.
According to the Latvian government stated, the market includes 8,643 slot machines and 61 gaming tables. Based on the new tax rates, if the numbers of machines and tables remain the same, the industry would bring in about €9 million (US$10 million).
If passed, the law will take effect on January 1, 2020.
