Gambling Laws in Estonia

Gambling in Estonia is legal in all of its variety. Within the Estonian gambling legislation, the Gambling Act of 2009 and its amendments, together with the Gambling Tax Act are considered to be the main regulatory acts of all gambling activities in the country. According to these acts all forms of land-based gambling are legal in Estonia. Online gambling is also considered to be legal, in all of its variety. The bodies responsible for the land-based and online gambling activities in the country are the Ministry of Finance and the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Besides its function as a supervisor, the Tax and Customs Board is the official body which grants licenses to all Estonian casinos, sportsbooks, or other types of gambling providers, brick and mortar as well as online.  And according to Estonian gambling laws, minors under 18 years of age are prohibited to participate in gambling activities.    

Is Online Gambling Legal in Estonia? Yes, all forms of online gambling are legal in Estonia, according to the Gambling Act of 2009.

Online Casinos in Estonia

Online casino sites in Estonia started appearing with the legalization of online gambling in the country in 2009. Companies may apply for a license that lasts up to 5 years. Yet, there are still many foreign-licensed platforms operating in the country. Authorities try to actively block, but players are not prosecuted for accessing them. 

Online Poker in Estonia

There are several poker rooms across the country, most notably the in the capital. In fact, online poker news sites report that Tallinn is among the best cities in Europe to play the game. And although there are no specific Estonian poker laws, the general regulations apply and online poker sites are also considered to be legal in the country. As of August 2019, some of the largest poker rooms are licensed in the country, such as PokerStars, that offer top-level competitions, as well as some of the best online poker bonuses and online poker promotions available on the market. 

Online Lottery in Estonia

According to the Gambling Act of 2009, the state-owned Eesti Loto - established in 1991 - is the only provider of lotto games and, since 2002, is also the only licensed company to offer online lotto in Estonia. However, as the law does not impose any penalties on those who use offshore platforms, Estonians are not limited to the state monopoly and can players can play in draws with higher jackpot prizes. 

Online Bingo in Estonia

Land-based bingo games in Estonia are offered by the Eesti Loto. Bingo Loto is the game which is popular all across the country especially because it is broadcasted on TV. Its first draws were organized back in 1996 and occur regularly on the ETV’s Lotokolmapäev show. Although there are no specific Estonian bingo laws, the regulations derived from general legislation from 2009, serve as a basic legal framework within which several companies offers their online bingo sites in Estonia. 

Online Sports Betting in Estonia

Betting has a long tradition in Estonia. The Tallinna Hipodroom is a historical betting place in the country, as Estonians have been placing their bets on the many horse racing events since its opening in 1923. Furthermore, by the early 2000s, it was already possible to bet online in Estonia. However, the new law not only regulated the market, as it also liberalized it. Now, there are both domestic and international online sportsbook sites in Estonia. 

Online DFS in Estonia

Unlike many countries in the world, online DFS sites in Estonia are legal and regulated in Estonia. Although its status is unclear, the Gambling Act specially defines both games of chance and games of skill as legal forms of gambling.