Lithuanian company to start casino in Latvia

A Lithuanian company is going to open a casino in Vaika, a Latvian town near the Estonia-Latvia border.

The facility, adjacent to an alcohol shop, would feature 20 slot machines.

Local newspaper Ziemeļlatvija reported that the Lithuanian company had the intention to open the casino in the centre of the city, but had to change the location because a gambling facility cannot be too close to schools. While close to the border, the location seems to be ideal as there is a boom in alcohol sales both from Lithuanians and Estonians, who cross to the former to stock up on cheaper alcoholic beverages.

 “A refusal had been received earlier from the town managers of Smiltene. The Valka Regional Council decided in June that the location on Rūjiena Street is a suitable one,” journalist Inga Karpova said.

The closest educational facility to the selected location is the Valga County Centre for Vocational Education, which is situated on the Estonian side of the border. Moreover, the company said that the casino would feature 20 slot machines and it could offer sports betting services as well.

Source: focusgn.com