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Online casinos in Estonia
Estonia is an example of how you can build a modern, open and safe gambling market.
Here gambling is legalized, fully controlled by the state and is actively developing in digital format.
Estonia became one of the first EU countries to introduce electronic licensing of online casinos, and today is considered one of the most technologically advanced gambling jurisdictions in Europe.
Legislative framework
The legal basis for gambling in Estonia is formed by two key laws:1. Hasartmänguseadus - Gambling Act (introduced in 2009).
2. Maksukorralduse seadus - Tax Regulation Act (includes gambling regulations).
Control over the activities of operators is carried out by Maksu-ja Tolliamet (MTA) - Estonian Tax and Customs Board.
The organization maintains a unified register of licenses and blocked sites, controls financial flows, equipment certification and compliance with Responsible Gaming.
Main provisions of the legislation:- gambling is allowed if licensed;
- online and offline formats are allowed;
- foreign operators can work only with a representative office in Estonia;
- age of players - from 21 years for casinos and from 18 years for bets and lotteries;
- all operators are required to connect to the state monitoring system.
Licensing
Licenses are issued by the MTA in two formats:1. Activity License - Allows gambling of a certain type.
2. Operating License - Allows a specific operator to offer services to players.
License types:- Casinos and slot machines;
- Sports betting and betting;
- Online gambling;
- Bingo and lotteries.
- registration of the company in Estonia;
- minimum capital - €1,000,000 for casinos, €130,000 for online gambling;
- bank guarantee - €50,000- €100,000;
- technical audit of the platform;
- compliance with AML and GDPR standards.
License term: indefinite, with annual monitoring by the MTA.
Major licensed operators:- OlyBet. ee (Olympic Entertainment Group);
- Optibet. ee (Enlabs/Entain Group);
- Betsafe. ee (Betsson Group);
- Pafbet. ee (Paf Group, Finland);
- TonyBet. ee;
- Coolbet. ee;
- BongoCasino. ee;
- NinjaCasino. ee.
Taxation
Estonia applies one of the most transparent and attractive tax models in the EU.
Optional:- corporate tax - 0% until profit is distributed;
- 1% GGR - to the Responsible Gaming fund;
- player winnings are not taxed if collected from licensed operators.
This system makes Estonia especially attractive for international iGaming companies.
Online gambling
Online gambling was legalised in 2010 and Estonia has since become a regional leader in digital gambling.
All licensed online casinos are connected to a centralized MTA monitoring system, where bets, winnings and payouts are recorded.
Popular online casinos:- OlyBet. ee, Optibet. ee, Coolbet. ee, TonyBet. ee, Pafbet. ee, Betsafe. ee.
- video slots from Pragmatic Play, Play 'n GO, NetEnt, Novomatic, Yggdrasil;
- live-casino от Evolution, Ezugi, Pragmatic Live;
- sports and esports betting;
- poker and virtual games.
Estonia is also actively developing crypto gambling: from 2022, licensed operators can accept cryptocurrencies subject to AML verification.
Land-based casinos
The land sector remains an important part of the economy.
There are about 15 casinos and more than 150 slot machine halls in the country.
Largest casinos:- Olympic Park Casino (Tallinn) - OEG flagship with 100 + slots and VIP lounges;
- Casino Grand Prix (Tallinn, Tartu);
- Admiral Club, Fenix Casino, Royal Casino Tallinn.
Casinos are aimed at tourists and locals, and are also centers of business and entertainment tourism.
Payment methods
Estonia is known for its high level of digitalization - 99% of financial transactions are conducted online.
All modern payment methods are supported:- Visa, MasterCard, Maestro;
- SEPA and bank transfers (Swedbank, LHV, SEB, Coop Pank);
- Skrill, Neteller, Revolut;
- Apple Pay, Google Pay;
- cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT) - with KYC identification.
All payment services are connected to the MTA e-Maksusüsteem system, which provides complete transparency and security.
Responsible play
Estonia pays special attention to the protection of players.
Since 2020, there has been a national register of self-excluded players (Hasartmängu enesevälistamise register), available through the e-Estonia electronic system.
Responsible Gaming's measures include:- voluntary self-exclusion for a period of 6 months to 3 years;
- limits on deposits and losses;
- game time restrictions;
- mandatory risk notifications;
- hotline under the Ministry of Health.
All licensed casinos are required to integrate these features into their platforms.
Economic importance
Gambling in Estonia is a significant sector of the economy.
According to the MTA (2024):- total market income - €300 million;
- tax revenues - about €45 million;
- share of online gambling - 65% of turnover;
- more than 2,500 jobs in the iGaming sector.
Large companies such as Olympic Entertainment Group, Coolbet and Betsson use Estonia as a regional hub for Scandinavia and the Baltic states.
Challenges and challenges
growing interest in unlicensed cryptocasinos;- the need to strengthen AML control;
- combating VPN access to offshore sites;
regulation of gambling advertising in social networks.
In 2025, the MTA plans to launch a new automated platform, eGaming Monitor, which will combine rate, tax and Responsible Gaming controls into a single system.
Development prospects
Estonia remains one of the most technologically advanced and reliable gambling markets in Europe.
In the coming years, the government will focus on:- development of crypto gambling and Web3 casino licenses;
- strengthening international cooperation with MGA and UKGC;
- the introduction of artificial intelligence to monitor gambling;
- support for esport projects.
With a digital approach, transparent rules and stable policies, Estonia is an example of a modern gambling jurisdiction that combines innovation, security and government control.
