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Estonian online casinos for Real Money

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Estonia Casino Guide

Getting Started

Estonia is one of the smallest EU member states, with a population of just over 1.3 million. However, this Northern European nation has legalised gambling, and there are different ways for you to bet if you live there. Both online and land-based gambling options are available for Estonians, and we’re here to explain how it all works.

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of gambling in Estonia. We’ll discuss the types of casinos you should join, what types of games are popular in Estonia, and whether offshore casinos are an option for those in the country. Let’s dive straight in.

Estonia’s Gambling Laws and Regulations

The Republic of Estonia first legalised online gambling in 1994, three years after gaining independence from the Soviet Union, when the Lottery Act was passed. Back in the days of the USSR, gambling was forbidden. Once the National Lottery of Estonia was launched, things began to open for players in the country.

In 1995, Estonia passed the Law on Gambling. This effectively made it legal to gamble at land-based venues in the country. Those laws were gradually replaced by the 2008 Gambling Act, which also took online betting into consideration. Today, the amended Gambling Act of 2008 remains the main piece of legislation governing Estonia’s gambling laws.

Estonia’s gambling industry is always in flux. For instance, the legalisation of online gambling sites in 2008 has seen the number of land-based establishments drop by two-thirds. Initially, only Estonian companies were allowed to apply for a gambling license. However, in a bid to comply with the EU’s laws, Estonia opened its sector up to foreign sites in 2011. Any betting sites and casinos that haven’t applied for an Estonian gambling license have been effectively blocked by ISP (internet service provider) bans since then. It is worth noting that this has only really been the case for major sites. Many of the smaller ones either slip through the Estonian authority’s fingers, or they simply can’t be bothered hunting them all down.

Who Regulates and Licenses Estonian Casino Sites?

Estonia’s gambling licenses are awarded by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (also known as the ETCB). They oversee and license gambling establishments and run the rule over any online casino sites licensed in the country. Two types of licenses can be found in Estonia. The first of these is for sportsbooks, while the second covers casinos.

At €35,200 for sportsbook licenses and €51,200 for casino licenses, they aren’t cheap, especially when the population of the country is limited to just under 1.5 million. Operators are not required to be Estonian but are required to have some sort of physical presence in the Northern European country.

Notably, lottery, bingo, keno, and other number gambling-based games aren’t part of the ETCB’s remit. Instead, these are all under the jurisdiction of Eesti Loto – the state-run monopoly. Instant win games are also handled by the monopoly.

Estonia’s Most Popular Gambling Games

Around 70% of Estonian adults gamble so it is quite a popular pastime. Twenty-five percent of Estonians bet online weekly, with twenty percent of nationals betting in land-based venues each week. Naturally, each Estonian player will have their own preferences about what they want to play. However, there doesn’t appear to be a clear consensus on what are “favourite games” among Estonians. Estonians love to have a pop at sports betting, with hockey and football bets, in particular, a big hit.

There is one particular software provider that comes from Estonia that virtually every casino player worth their salt will have heard of. No review of Estonian gambling would be complete without at least mentioning them in passing.

While Playtech was founded by Israeli entrepreneur Teddy Sagi and is renowned for being the major developer in the UK (it is even based on the Isle of Man today), its origins can be traced back to Tartu, in Estonia. This is by far the most prolific provider to come out of the country. Naturally, Playtech’s games appear in casinos licensed in its homeland, but you can also find games from other software providers on those sites, too.

Who Can Play?

Estonian-licensed online casinos are only permitted to accept players from Estonia. They may not accept players from any other country, even fellow EU member states. Of course, for the bigger sites, this simply means creating a dedicated, bespoke Estonian site and running it alongside their other domains.

Offshore casinos that cater to Estonians can find themselves on a blacklist if they grow too large and become noticeable. However, of the sites which have escaped the ISP bans, they accept players from Estonia and arguably offer them a greater array of games than at Estonian-licensed sites. However, Estonians are unlikely to find support and gameplay in their language at these sites, nor can they use their preferred currency and local payment options at many offshore casinos.

Online Casino Payment Options

Estonia has seen a significant growth in its online gambling market in recent years, with several payment methods available exclusively for Estonian players. Below, we have categorized these payment methods for your convenience.

Credit / Debit Cards:

  • Swedbank: One of the largest banks in Estonia, Swedbank offers credit and debit card services for its customers. Estonian players can use Swedbank cards to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos.
  • SEB Pank: Another major bank in Estonia, SEB Pank provides credit and debit card services to Estonians, enabling them to make secure transactions at online casinos.

E-wallets:

  • LHV Pank: LHV Pank is an Estonian bank that offers an e-wallet service, allowing users to make online payments and transfers. It is a popular choice for Estonian online casino players due to its convenience and security.
  • Pocopay: Pocopay is an Estonian-based digital banking platform that allows users to make secure online payments and transfers. Its e-wallet functionality makes it a suitable option for online casino transactions.

Direct Bank Transfers:

  • Eesti Ühispank: Eesti Ühispank, also known as Coop Pank, is an Estonian bank that supports direct bank transfers for online casino transactions. This method enables Estonian players to transfer funds directly between their bank account and the online casino without using any third-party services.

Mobile Payments:

  • mTasku: mTasku is a mobile wallet app developed in Estonia. It enables users to make secure mobile payments and transactions, including depositing and withdrawing funds at online casinos.

Prepaid Cards:

  • Smart-ID: Smart-ID is an electronic identification solution developed in Estonia. It allows users to create a virtual prepaid card that can be used for online transactions, including making deposits at online casinos.

Cryptocurrencies:

  • Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a widely-accepted cryptocurrency that Estonian players can use for online casino transactions. Its decentralized nature and anonymity make it a popular choice for many players.
  • Ethereum: Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency in Estonia, offering players the ability to make secure and anonymous transactions at online casinos.

Casinos by Category

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F.A.Q's

1. Is online gambling legal in Estonia?

Yes, online gambling is legal in Estonia. The country has a regulated gambling market, and both domestic and foreign operators can offer their services to Estonian players as long as they have the necessary licenses. For more information on licensing and regulation, visit our Licensing and Regulation section.

2. How can I deposit funds into my online casino account in Estonia?

There are various payment methods available to Estonian players for depositing money into their online casino accounts. Common options include credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies. For a detailed overview of different payment methods, check out our Payment Methods page.

3. What is the legal gambling age in Estonia?

The legal gambling age in Estonia is 21 years old. Both land-based and online casinos require players to be at least 21 years old to participate in gambling activities.

4. Can I play online casino games on my mobile device in Estonia?

Yes, most online casinos offer mobile-compatible versions of their websites or dedicated apps that allow players to enjoy their favorite games on smartphones and tablets. For more information on mobile gaming, visit our Mobile Gaming section.

5. Are online casino games fair and random in Estonia?

Reputable online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure that the outcomes of their games are fair and random. Licensed and regulated casinos are required to have their RNGs tested and certified by independent agencies. For more information on ensuring fairness and safety while gambling online, see our Safety and Security guide.

6. How do I withdraw my winnings from an online casino in Estonia?

Withdrawing your winnings from an online casino in Estonia is typically as easy as depositing. You can use various methods such as e-wallets, bank transfers, and credit cards. For more information on withdrawing at online casinos, visit our Withdrawing at Online Casinos section.

7. Are there any taxes on online gambling winnings in Estonia?

In Estonia, gambling winnings are generally not subject to personal income tax. However, gambling operators are required to pay taxes on their revenue. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information on your specific situation.

8. How can I ensure responsible gambling while playing online in Estonia?

Responsible gambling is crucial for a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience. Setting limits on your deposits, wagering, and playing time can help prevent problem gambling. Additionally, most online casinos offer self-exclusion tools and links to organizations that provide support for gambling-related issues. For more information on responsible gambling, visit our Responsible Gambling Principles section.

9. Can I play live dealer games at Estonian online casinos?

Yes, many online casinos that cater to Estonian players offer live dealer games. These games provide an immersive, real-time casino experience with professional dealers, allowing you to interact with them and other players. For more information on live dealer games, check out our Live Dealers page.

10. Are there any online casino bonuses available for Estonian players?

Yes, Estonian players can enjoy various online casino bonuses, such as welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs. To learn more about these offers and how to make the most of them, visit our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs section.

2023-2024 Online Gambling News & Updates in Estonia

The online gambling landscape in Estonia is undergoing significant changes and developments in 2024. The country, known for its progressive stance on gambling regulation, continues to refine its policies to balance industry growth with social responsibility.

Regulatory Updates and Licensing Estonia’s gambling industry operates under a well-defined legal framework established by the 2009 Gambling Act, which was further refined to include online gambling regulations from 2010. All operators must secure both an activity license and an operating permit from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. These licenses ensure that operators adhere to strict standards, including financial stability and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. The licensing process remains rigorous, with new operators entering the market regularly, contributing to a vibrant and competitive environment.

Advertising Restrictions A significant development in 2024 is the anticipated introduction of a blanket ban on gambling advertising. This move follows a trend seen in other European countries aiming to curb problem gambling by limiting exposure to gambling promotions. The new coalition government, led by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, is considering these restrictions as part of broader social welfare reforms. The proposed ban has sparked debate among stakeholders, including operators and sports organizations, who rely on gambling sponsorships.

Taxation and Revenue The Estonian government is also reviewing its gambling tax policies. Currently, online gambling operators are subject to a relatively low tax rate of 5%, which has been a significant factor in attracting international operators to the Estonian market. However, the government is contemplating increasing these taxes to fund broader social initiatives, including universal tax-free income and tax exemptions on pensions. The potential tax hike has raised concerns among operators about its impact on profitability and market attractiveness.

Technological Advancements and Trends In terms of technology, the online gambling industry in Estonia is embracing innovations like AI and machine learning. These technologies are enhancing personalization and responsible gaming measures. Operators are leveraging AI to provide customized gaming experiences and detect early signs of problem gambling, ensuring a safer environment for players. Additionally, the integration of blockchain and cryptocurrency is gaining traction, offering secure and transparent transactions.

Future Outlook Looking forward, Estonia’s online gambling market is poised for growth, driven by technological advancements and a robust regulatory framework. The focus on mobile-first gaming is expected to continue, with more players preferring the convenience of gambling on their smartphones. Live dealer games and eSports betting are also expanding, providing diverse and engaging options for players.

Overall, Estonia’s approach to online gambling combines stringent regulatory oversight with a commitment to technological innovation. This strategy not only ensures a fair and safe gambling environment but also positions Estonia as a leading market in the European online gambling industry.