The Constitutional Court has found that restrictions on organising gambling in the administrative territory of Daugavpils comply with the Constitution. Court chair Irēna Kucina announced the decision at a press conference on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Licensed gambling operators had challenged a rule that forbids gambling in places and territories where the main entrance of a gambling hall is closer than 150 metres to the nearest entrance of specified buildings. The limit covers buildings that house a municipal institution, or a company in which the municipality owns more than 50% of the capital shares. It also covers churches, prayer houses and other places of worship, educational institutions, post offices, credit institutions, places providing social services and assistance, service hotels, sports education institutions, and multi-apartment residential buildings.
Four licensed gambling companies brought the case. They argued that the rule stops them from organising gambling in Daugavpils, restricts their business and infringes their right to property, contrary to the first three sentences of Article 105 of the Constitution. Those sentences state that everyone has the right to own property, that property must not be used contrary to the interests of the public, and that property rights may be restricted only in accordance with law.
Daugavpils council approved the binding regulations on places and territories where gambling is not allowed on 31 October 2024. The municipality had earlier invited residents to take part in a survey and give their views on the plans.