According to a survey conducted by SIA “Alfor” among visitors of “Fenikss” gaming halls, the majority of clients are aware of the principles of responsible entertainment—and most importantly, they follow them. The survey included 1,067 “Fenikss” gaming hall customers, with half from Riga and the other half from various regions across Latvia.

Contrary to widespread societal stereotypes, 69% of respondents visit gaming halls for entertainment purposes—to momentarily forget daily worries and because they enjoy the adrenaline rush this type of entertainment offers. For 9%, the main motivation is the opportunity to socialize, while 5% say it's due to a lack of other entertainment options in their area. Only 16% of respondents indicated that the chance to win is their primary motivation.

A similar proportion—70%—stated they spend up to three hours per visit on this activity. Only one-fifth admitted they do not keep track of time while playing.

The survey results also show that “Fenikss” clients are well-informed about responsible gambling practices. 78% are aware of the option to take a self-test to monitor their gambling behavior. Even more—80%—know about the possibility to register themselves in the Self-Exclusion Register, which has been active since 2022 and serves as an effective tool to prevent excessive gambling behavior, including participation in interactive gambling and lotteries. Finally, 88% of respondents are informed about the responsible gambling informational materials that are freely available in all gaming halls.

Additional Information

SIA “Alfor” has developed and implements a Responsible Gaming Policy. Visitors to both gaming halls and online platforms are continuously reminded about the importance of moderation and self-discipline in entertainment consumption, encouraging them to set time and money limits and adhere to them. All customer service staff are trained to recognize signs of excessive gambling and are equipped to provide information on available support resources.

Furthermore, all gaming halls offer an informative booklet with a self-assessment test, a contact card for the crisis center “Skalbes,” and an application form for the Self-Exclusion Register.

Experts, including psychotherapists and psychiatrists, point out that most people are able to maintain moderation in their entertainment habits. Excessive enthusiasm for gambling becomes an issue for approximately 6–7% of players. Gambling addiction develops gradually over time, particularly if signs of excessive engagement go unnoticed and unaddressed, and it affects about 1% of individuals engaged in this form of entertainment. The development of addiction is influenced by various factors—family experience and genetics, temperament, mental health status, education level, and other circumstances. These factors are common to all addictions and mental health disorders and are considered consequences rather than causes of addiction.