Sports betting in Estonia has become increasingly popular. In this brief introduction, we explore the rise of this industry in Estonia. Our team has carefully selected the top betting websites, focusing on those offering the best bonuses and odds.
We made our choices after thoroughly reviewing feedback from local bettors. This guide will also touch upon the tax implications for online sports betting and the accessibility of these sites for Estonians. Additionally, we'll consider potential future developments in this sector.
This guide will talk about betting on sports online in Estonia. The Complete Guide starts by looking at how this business has grown there. Next, it discusses how to bet on sports online in Estonia and the taxes you might have to pay. Then, it explains how easy it is for people living in Estonia to access these websites. Lastly, it shares ideas about what might change in this area.
Estonia's online betting industry has seen a significant transformation. Initially banned under USSR rule, the shift began in the 1990s with the introduction of the Lottery Act and the Gambling Act. These laws laid the groundwork for regulated gambling.
2009, Estonia witnessed a pivotal change by implementing the new Gambling Act, extending its reach to include online betting. This shift paved the way for the authorization of betting sites in Estonia by 2010. Estonia's online betting environment is now diverse and well-regulated, under the watchful eye of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. The regulatory measures encompass establishing legal gambling ages and promoting responsible gambling.
Gambling businesses are taxed 5% on their profits, but bettors aren't taxed on winnings. Credit cards are the preferred payment method, and measures like self-exclusion systems are in place for player protection. Estonia's approach balances embracing technology and ensuring safe, responsible gambling.
How is online betting regulated in Estonia?
Estonia's regulation of online betting adapts to emerging technologies in gambling. The legislative journey began with the Lottery Act 1994 and the Gambling Act 1995. These acts laid the groundwork but soon needed updating due to the rapid growth of online sports betting.
The 1995 Gambling Act categorized gambling into four types: totalisators, betting, games of skill, and games of chance. To operate legally, sports betting service providers were required to obtain both an activity license, valid for ten years, and a 5-year operation permit, which specified the location of the betting establishment.
A significant update to these laws came with the Gambling Act 2008, effective from 2009. This Act streamlined the earlier legislation while maintaining its core principles, including the operators' need to secure an activity license and an operation permit.
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board was responsible for issuing these licenses and permits, ensuring a regulated and safe environment for online betting in Estonia.
🌍 Country
Estonia
👌 Language
Estonian
💲 Currency
Euro
⚽ Popular sports
Basketball, football, cycling, cricket
⚖️ Is betting legal
Yes
🏢 Regulator
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board
🧾 Gambling taxes
5%
💳 Most popular payment methods
PayPal, WireCard, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill
Top 5 best online betting sites in Estonia
With many alternatives available, including sports betting and esports, Estonia's online betting market is lively and diversified, drawing in fans. Our ranking of the best five online bookmakers in Estonia is based on providing safe, entertaining, and varied betting options.
GGbet
GGbet stands out in Estonia's online sports betting scene, particularly noted for its extensive coverage of numerous sports, including esports. This platform is distinguished by its competitive odds and the availability of in-play betting. Fans of esports especially favor it.
Starda is a well-established betting platform in Estonia, prized for its focus on local and international sports events. The platform provides a straightforward betting experience with a strong emphasis on reliability and customer service.
Another well-known website that serves both regular sports betting markets and esports is VulkanBet. It is known for its friendly interface, bonuses, promos, and competitive odds.
Megapari, an emerging name in Estonia's online sports betting, is known for its extensive sportsbook and attractive odds. It targets an international audience with multilingual support and diverse payment options.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
100% up to €100
5x wagering requirement on accumulator bets with odds of 1.40 or higher.
€1
Credit/Debit Cards, Bank Transfers, Mobile Payment
What we took into account when picking the best bookmaker in Estonia?
At Allbets, our team takes great care in selecting the best bookmakers in Estonia, focusing on several crucial aspects to ensure a superior gambling experience for our readers. Let's look at some points we took to heart:
Odds Assessment
We meticulously assess the odds presented by diverse betting platforms. This is essential since better odds can considerably improve a gambler's winning potential.
Mobile Accessibility
Recognizing the surge in mobile betting, we prioritize bookmakers emphasizing user-friendly mobile apps and sites.
Bonuses and Rewards
We take note of bookmakers' contributions to the betting experience and evaluate their promotional offers in detail, including welcome bonuses and member-only programs.
Diversity in Betting Options
Intending to cater to novice and experienced wagerers alike, we ensure that the bookies we have chosen provide a wide range of betting options.
Payment Method Diversity
Understanding the unique preferences in Estonia, we look for bookmakers that offer various payment options, including conventional and local methods, ensuring smooth financial transactions for users.
Customer Support Quality
The quality of customer support services bookmakers provide is also crucial. We assess the responsiveness and effectiveness of these services, including communication channels like emails, live chats, and phone support.
How to bet online in Estonia
To bet online on sports in Estonia, follow these simplified steps:
Find a Trusted Betting Site
step 1
Start by choosing a reliable sportsbook. You can explore lists from trusted sources like MightyTips for recommendations or conduct your search. It's essential to select a bookmaker that is known for its credibility.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus
step 2
Most reputable Estonian sportsbooks offer attractive welcome bonuses. Please take advantage of these offers, as they can enhance your betting experience.
Select Your Event
step 3
Go through the sportsbook's website to find the sports event you want to bet on. You can follow guidelines on popular sports or decide based on your preferences.
Check the Odds
step 4
Before placing a bet, always examine the odds. They are crucial in assessing your potential winnings and should be a critical factor in choosing your bets.
Place Your Bet
step 5
Choose how much you want to risk, then make your wager. Before placing your bet, ensure your internet connection is steady and that all technical issues have been fixed.
Remember, responsible gambling is essential. Always bet within your means and be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding online betting in Eston
Popular Sports for Betting in Estonia
For those interested in online sports betting in Estonia, various popular sports cater to diverse interests and expertise levels. Here's an overview of some favored sports among Estonian bettors:
Basketball
Basketball, particularly the FIBA EuroBasket, enjoys a significant following among Estonian bettors. Knowledgeable fans find basketball appealing for online betting due to its somewhat predictable nature, which can be advantageous in forecasting game outcomes. Estonian punters often gravitate towards betting on matches in the FIBA EuroBasket, leveraging their understanding of the game.
Cricket
Cricket is also gaining traction in Estonia, illustrated by the popularity of the Estonian Cricket League. Its straightforward rules and accessibility contribute to its increasing appeal. Cricket's simplicity makes it a common sight in local settings, and this familiarity is reflected in the online betting world, where the Estonian Cricket League features prominently.
Cycling
Cycling, including events like the Tour de France, is unexpectedly popular among Estonian bettors. Their dynamic character enhances the thrilling element of live event betting, especially in cycling events. It's a flexible choice for sports bettors since wagers may range widely, from picking overall winners to placing bets on specific phases.
Football
Major football competitions such as the World Cup, UEFA, and EURO continue to attract much attention in Estonia's betting sector. The global popularity of football translates into a wide array of betting opportunities in Estonia. Bettors engage in online football betting, utilizing their knowledge and insights to predict outcomes across various tournaments and matches.
Estonia's online betting sector is rapidly growing, showcasing a variety of new platforms with unique betting experiences. Among these, the five best new betting sites in Estonia have emerged as leaders, known for their innovation and engaging gaming options.
🎮 GGbet: GGbet stands out in Estonia for eSports enthusiasts, featuring an extensive array of games and betting markets, focusing on live eSports betting, and providing competitive odds.
🔴 1xbet: 1xbet is renowned for its broad spectrum of sports, emphasizing live and in-play betting options, earning popularity among a diverse group of Estonian bettors.
🆕 Starda: Starda is gaining popularity with its user-friendly interface, appealing to new and seasoned bettors through a comprehensive selection of sports and competitive betting opportunities.
⚡ VulkanBet: Offering a reliable betting platform with an exciting user experience, VulkanBet is well-known for combining regular sports and eSports betting.
📈 Megapari: Meagpari has rapidly become a favorite among Estonian bettors, providing a wide variety of sports markets, including live betting features, and is distinguished by its competitive odds.
How popular is mobile betting in Estonia?
In Estonia, gamblers are increasingly choosing mobile betting due to its ease, with many preferring betting applications. The accessibility and ease of use of these applications are primarily dependent on their user-friendly design. Compatibility with several platforms—including iOS and Android—is essential to serve a diverse user base.
The top betting apps in Estonia usually improve the whole betting experience with features like an easy-to-use interface that mimics the bookmaker's website and quick customer support. This movement towards mobile betting in the gaming industry highlights the necessity for easily accessible mobile betting options.
Best sports betting apps in Estonia
User-friendly, secure mobile apps dominate Estonia's online sports betting landscape, offering many betting options. Below, we highlight the unique aspects of these leading apps in the Estonian sports betting market.
With a user-friendly layout explicitly designed for mobile users, the GGbet mobile app provides a frictionless betting experience. Both the iOS and Android operating systems support it.
Pluses
Wide range of esports betting options
Live streaming of sports events
Easy navigation and quick bet placement
Minuses
Limited promotional offers compared to its desktop version
Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are common choices in Estonia for deposits and withdrawals, appreciated for their dependability and broad acceptance.
E-Wallets: Digital wallets like NETeller and Skrill are gaining traction due to their ease of use and swift transaction capabilities. These wallets offer the advantage of quick online transactions, often with minimal fees. They also provide additional security and privacy as a bridge between the user's bank and the betting site.
Prepaid Methods: For added financial privacy and stricter spending control, consider alternatives like Ukash or Paysafecard, which don't require sharing bank details. Buy a voucher or card with a specific value, enabling you to add funds to your gambling account.
Bank Transfers: In cases where the same method cannot be used for deposit and withdrawal, betting companies usually provide alternative options, such as bank transfers or check issuing.
Payment Options
Deposit Time
Withdrawal Time
Deposit Limits (€)
Withdrawal Limits (€)
Credit/Debit Cards
Instant
Up to 48 hours
10 – 5000
10 – 5000
E-Wallets
Instant
1-24 hours
20 – 20000
Up to 10000
Prepaid methods
Instant
Not possible
Fixed 250
Not possible
Bank Transfer
Up to 48 hours
Up to 48 hours
100 – 20000
100 – 20000
The Future of Online Betting in Estonia
The sports betting market in Estonia is experiencing a period of rapid growth and expansion. There is an increasing enthusiasm for this sector among Estonian citizens. Projections indicate that the market value might surpass $43 million in 2023, potentially growing to approximately $58 million by 2027.
This significant growth is remarkable, especially considering Estonia's relatively small population. It signals a robust and flourishing future for the nation's sports betting sector. Factors contributing to this potential include a legal environment that encourages the industry and a tax system that benefits bettors, providing a stable basis for ongoing growth and new developments in the field of sports betting.
Responsible Play in Sports Betting in Estonia
Estonia takes a severe stance on responsible gaming. The country has implemented various strategies and established organizations to tackle gambling addiction and encourage healthy betting practices.
The government's commitment to addressing gambling concerns is evident in its support for the MTÜ Gambling Addiction Counseling Center. This NGO dedicates itself to monitoring problem gambling and offering vital support to individuals and families affected by addiction, including free psychological counseling and plans to introduce debt counseling services.
The increase in gambling activities, partly spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, is recognized as a worldwide challenge, with Estonia playing a proactive role in its management. The Ministry of Social Affairs in Estonia notes that about 7% of its population is vulnerable to pathological gambling addiction. In response, the Ministry is planning a comprehensive study on gambling addiction in minors and developing support programs for affected individuals and their families.
Betting in Estonia: Conclusion
The journey of sports betting in Estonia, from its initial regulation in the 1990s, has led to a dynamic and technologically advanced industry. Focusing on mobile betting has evolved significantly.
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board is essential in fostering a secure and diverse betting environment while promoting responsible gambling practices.
Always remember to gamble within your means and seek help, if needed, with resources available from organizations like the MTÜ Gambling Addiction Counseling Center. We wish you well in your endeavors as the industry expands and urge you always to put responsible and safe gaming practices first.
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, online sports betting is legal and well-regulated in Estonia.
Cricket, football, basketball, and cycling are among the popular sports in Estonia to bet on.
In Estonia, online betting companies' payment methods include bank transfers, cards, prepaid cards, and e-wallets.
Anyone who wants to participate in online sports betting in Estonia must be at least 18.
Estonia takes responsible gambling seriously, with organizations like the MTÜ Gambling Addiction Counseling Center providing support for gambling addiction.
James is a copywriter and iGaming expert with a wealth of experience in online casino gaming, sports betting and crypto. He believes every reader needs access to the right information provided in an engaging way.
With more than 10 years of experience in online marketing, and special focus on the gambling affiliation sector over 5 years, Martin Lasmanis is a true expert in his niche. Today, Martin's vision is to build the largest lead generator company in the world. Fortunately, we have the perfect team to make his dream come true!
Arturs Korolkovs
Head of Affiliates
Marketing specialist with 3 years of experience in affiliate and social media marketing in the iGaming industry. His deep understanding of the industry and a proven track record of driving growth make him an important "player" on the team.