Estonia is located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and shares a border with Russia to the east, Latvia to the south, and is bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the north with Finland being just across the sea. The restore of Estonian independence from the Soviet Union was declared on August 20, 1991. Due to the historical background and well-documented gambling laws, it presents a perfect environment for both local and international gamblers. This blog post provides important information about betting sites in Estonia, the legal situation, the best sports platforms.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
The Evolution of Gambling Laws in Estonia
The gambling industry in Estonia has grown and has emerged to become what it is today. In the beginning, all the forms of gambling were prohibited during the Soviet Union period. Though changes were slowly being felt in the early 90s.
- 1994: The Lottery Act was passed into law, thus putting a stone on the legal gambling in the country.
- 1995: The first Gambling Act was passed with the provision of the licensing of casinos and lotteries.
Such laws created the basis for the contemporary gambling business in Estonia and allowed legal betting services to operate.
Gambling Regulatory Agencies
The regulation of gambling in Estonia is very stringent to avoid any forms of cheating and fraud. The major governing body responsible for this is the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA).
- Gambling Act of 2009: Presents the steps to follow to get the licenses and the roles of the operators.
- Gambling Tax Act: Establishes the taxation of gaming and other related activities, thus, making the operators contribute to the public treasury.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
Regarding the sports betting, there are certain rules to follow in Estonia and the types of bets that you can place are quite clear.
- Permitted Bets: Comprise of sports betting, lotteries and totalizers as the other forms of gambling.
- Prohibited Bets: Usually, it encompasses any type of betting which is not controlled or permitted, to safeguard the consumers and the industry.
Licenses and Fees of Betting Sites in Estonia
Thus, to conduct their activities legally, betting sites have to obtain certain permits. There are two main types of permits in Estonia.
- Operating License: It is needed to perform gambling actions.
- Service License: Required for the provision of gambling services to the Estonian citizens and citizens of the European Union.
The fees for these licenses vary:
- Games of Chance Providers: It is is €47,940.
- Totalizers: €31,960
- Games of Skill: €3,200
Best Sports Betting Sites in Estonia
Below are some of the best betting sites with license to operate in Estonia.
Betandyou
Up To £120 + £30 Free Bets
20Bet
Up To £150 + Recharge £150 Free Bets
Mr. Play
Up To £100
Important Events in Estonian Sports History
There are numerous accomplishments of sports in Estonia. Some notable events include.
- 2009: It includes; Winning the European Athletics Championships.
- 2011: European Basketball Championships’ victory.
- 2013: European Women’s Basketball Championship – the victory.
Celebrating Estonian Sports Stars
Estonia has contributed to the world several athletes who have done very well on the international scene.
- Erki Nool: A decathlete who emerged the winner during the Sydney Olympics that took place in the year 2000.
- Kristina Šmigun-Vähi: An Olympic and World Championship multiple medals holder in cross- country skiing.
- Gerd Kanter: A discus thrower who emerged the champion at the Beijing Olympics that was held in the year 2008.
Neighboring Countries’ Gambling Laws
It is important to consider the general outlook of gambling laws in the neighboring countries in order to have a better idea.
Latvia
- Gambling Act of 1998: Prohibits all sort of gambling activities.
- Licensing: Admission in this institution is very competitive and the applicant has to undergo through a very tedious admission process.
- Taxes: Operators are required to make a gambling tax depending on the revenue made.
Finland
- Lotteries Act of 1965: Regulates the business of gambling.
- Monopoly System: Legalized monopoly that the state has on gambling.
- Regulation: The National Police Board is the organ that exercises supervision over this process.
Russia
- Federal Law on State Regulation of Gambling Activity: Founded in the year 2006.
- Designated Zones: It is only allowed to gamble in some places.
- Strict Penalties: Penalties for engaging in unlawful gambling activities are very strict.
Conclusion
The gambling sector in Estonia is highly governed yet very entertaining, providing the very best of both worlds. From the conventional sports betting to the more modern methods being provided through the internet, this site covers it all. The historical background of the country and its rules protect the rights of the bettors and make the process entertaining.
FAQ: Betting Sites in Estonia
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