When trying to say “no” to gambling, person often experiences various turning points, just as when trying to get rid of other types of addictions. The most difficult thing about giving up gambling is not to return, which is especially complicated by the tempting arcades on every corner and the ability to play over the Internet. Therefore, from January 1, 2020, a Unified Register of Self-Refused Persons was created in Latvia, in which persons can voluntarily register in order to deny themselves access to gambling.
In 2019, a study published by government departments found that no more than 16,000 people were at risk of developing a gambling addiction, but the real number is likely to be higher. According to the latest data, the register received more than 8,000 applications over a period of just over six months.
“The number of applications received to date in the Register of Selfless People shows that citizens are actively using the opportunity to deny themselves access to gambling. If this rate of registration continues, it can be predicted that by the end of this year, the majority of people at risk of gambling could already add themselves to the register,” explained the head of the Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspectorate, Signe Byrne, for lsm media.
You can include your name in the register by contacting the Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspectorate in person, as well as in writing at any time in all places where gambling is organized in Latvia. You can also contact us by email www.latvija.lv. There you need to identify yourself and indicate the period of the ban in years (the minimum period of refusal is one year).
In the neighboring Baltic countries - Lithuania and Estonia - the registry of those who have refused has been in operation for about two years, and in each country about 13 thousand people have applied to it.
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