Estonia was one of Europe's first countries to fully regulate online gambling in 2011. Today, more than 50 betting sites have acquired a local license and are allowed to offer their services to locals.
Nevertheless, many players still place their wagers on international operators that, despite the low taxation rates, have not applied for a license yet. This is because they come with looser restrictions, more payment options, and higher odds.
On this page, we will discuss the regulatory framework behind online gambling in the country, with a main focus on the difference between local and offshore operators. But first, here is a list of the best betting sites in Estonia.
Bookmaker Comparison | Local Licensed | International |
Licensing | Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) | Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators |
Payments |
Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Mobiano, Mobile Payments, Bank Wires |
Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options |
User Experience | Fully localised for Estonian users (language, payments) | Few sites support the Estonian language |
KYC Verification | Mandatory | Depending on the website |
Taxation | No Taxation | No Taxation |
Despite being one of the strictest gambling authorities in the world, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board comes with few restrictions when it comes to players, primarily due to the absence of taxation rates. Nevertheless, local bookies do not compare with international ones in terms of payments and general betting offering.
Full List of Estonia Betting Sites
How to Find the Best Sports Betting Sites in Estonia
In recent years, gambling in the country has seen a massive surge, with numerous brands entering the market. To help streamline your decision-making, we've compiled a list of key factors to consider before registering for a new account.
Sports & Markets
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual player, the most important factor is ensuring the platform offers all your favorite sports, such as football, basketball, and golf, with competitive odds. Also, the variety of markets available is crucial. Avoid betting sites in Estonia that only provide a limited number of options, especially for niche sports.
Live Betting
Pre-match betting is just one part of the experience. Many local players prefer live betting, so choosing a bookmaker that offers a comprehensive in-play section is essential. Look for platforms with competitive odds, a wide range of markets, and advanced features to enhance your live betting experience.
Features
These tools have become vital for bettors, particularly professionals who use them to devise new strategies. The most sought-after features include Live Streaming, Bet Builder, and Cash Out, which are commonly available on top-tier platforms.
Payments
You can fund your betting account through various methods. In Estonia, popular options include debit cards, credit cards, Mobiano, and mobile payment systems. Keep in mind that operators with local licenses typically don’t accept cryptocurrency transactions, so, for crypto options, you’ll need to look at international bookmakers.
Localization
While most online sportsbooks will support the local currency (€), it's helpful to choose platforms that offer Estonian language options for easy navigation, as well as Estonian-speaking customer support. However, both of these are pretty rare among online bookies.
What You Need to Know About Sports Betting in Estonia
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
100,000+ | 18+ | Euro (€) | ETCB |
Estonia took its first steps towards regulating gambling in 1994 by establishing the Lotteries Act. A year later, in 1995, the much broader Gambling Act came into force. Gambling is categorized into 4 different types: games of chance, games of skill, totalizators and betting.
All operators must have an activity license and an operating permit to offer their gambling services legally. The online betting sector was first addressed in 2008 when the latest Gambling Act was introduced. It came into effect on 1/1/2009, along with the Gambling Tax Act, which came into power 6 months later.
Is Online Betting in Estonia Legal?
2010 was eventually the year that online betting became fully legal. In 2011, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB), an agency under the Ministry of Finance, became the country’s official gambling regulator and licensing authority.
At first, only local betting sites were allowed to operate. However, this changed in January 2011, when Estonia opened its market to international bookies. Even though most popular international sportsbooks remain unlicensed in Estonia, they still operate in the country’s market and accept locals.
What Are the Tax Implications in Estonia?
It is also worth noting that, regardless if you prefer to wager on licensed or unlicensed betting sites, your winnings are not subject to income tax. All the current licensees are taxed 5% on their net profit, one of the lowest tax rates globally.
Nevertheless, despite the low tax rate, many international bookmakers haven’t applied for a local license. Like many other EU citizens, Estonians can enjoy their sports betting winnings tax-free without disclosing amounts won on income tax returns.
International vs. Local Betting Sites in Estonia
If you decide to play on a locally licensed bookmaker, you will definitely get your money’s worth. Among others, international betting sites in Estonia generally offer a wider range of sports and markets alongside higher odds. Moreover, they allow you to perform transactions with cryptocurrencies. On the downside, they are not known for their quick dispute resolutions.
Can You Use Estonia Betting Apps?
Absolutely. Some of the world’s best bookmakers have obtained a license and offer their services to Estonian bettors. Some have already developed a mobile application that you can find on the official website or the Google/Play Stores. Downloading and installing it on your smartphone is usually very simple and takes less than two minutes.
What is the Direction of Sports Betting in Estonia
Even though only about 1.3 million people live in the country, Estonia’s sports betting revenue was €55+ million last year and is estimated to reach €65 million by 2029. Football, basketball, volleyball, and cycling are the sports that generate the most money.
Basketball
Basketball is widely regarded as Estonia’s national sport, even though the national team is not among the most notable ones in the world (ranked 44th). Nevertheless, locals love to watch and gamble on the sport, not so much on the domestic Korvpalli Meistriliiga but rather on the high-profile European competitions like the Euroleague, the basketball Champions League, and the Eurocup.
Football
Another popular sport in terms of viewership is football. The national team has been participating in the qualifying stages for the Euros and the World Cup but has never managed to make it to the finals. The only close call was before the 2012 European Championship. Nevertheless, locals love placing wagers on football, which is number one in betting volume in the country. All betting sites in Estonia offer odds on the domestic league alongside an excellent product on all the top international competitions.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a widely celebrated sport in Estonia, both in its indoor and beach formats. The country has a strong tradition of regular volleyball, with the men's national team achieving success in European competitions. Volleyball leagues, such as the Baltic Volleyball League, feature competitive clubs and foster local talent. Beach volleyball is equally popular, especially during the summer when tournaments and recreational games are held. This has urged a lot of players to have it as one of their primary sports for online betting.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in the country. With scenic routes through forests and coastal areas, as well as major events like the Tartu Rattaralli and SEB Tallinn-Tartu Grand Prix, cycling attracts a dedicated following. This enthusiasm has extended to online betting, where fans can wager on international and local cycling events. Online betting sites in Estonia offer competitive odds, live betting options, and a variety of markets, such as stage winners or overall champions. With a mix of local passion for the sport and the convenience of online sportsbooks, cycling betting is steadily gaining traction.
How To Bet Online in Estonia - Step By Step
To set up a betting account on a platform designed for Estonian users, follow these steps:
- 1 Select a Betting Platform: Begin by identifying a site that suits your preferences. Consider factors like available sports, betting markets, payment methods, and overall features. Research and compare multiple platforms to ensure you pick the best one for your needs. This decision should not be rushed, as it will affect your overall experience.
- 2 Sign Up for an Account: After choosing a bookmaker, visit their website to create an account. This process usually involves providing your personal information, such as your address, email, and a secure password. Licensed platforms will also require you to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) verification to comply with regulations before you can start betting.
- 3 Add Funds to Your Account: Once your account is verified, head to the deposit section to fund your balance. Choose a convenient payment method, specify how much you want to deposit, and confirm the transaction. Your funds will appear in your account shortly, ready for you to begin placing bets.
- 4 Place Your Bets: With funds available, explore the sportsbook to find your favorite sports and betting options. Select the event and market you want, enter your stake, and confirm your bet. Now, you’re all set to enjoy the excitement of online betting.
Which Payments Do Estonian Bettors Prefer?
Due to the clear laws and regulations around online gambling in the country, you are free to top up your betting account with any method you prefer.
⏩ Credit Cards: Estonia is one of the leaders in credit card payments for online bookmakers. It is calculated that 31% of all gambling payments come from credit cards. Luckily, most sports betting sites in Estonia allow you to deposit with them.
⏩ Mobiano: This is a mobile carrier billing platform that accepts SMS payments across the globe. It provides excellent coverage and great security. On the downside, not many bookies offer it.
⏩ Google Pay: With more than 48% of the total transactions occurring via mobile payments, it is clear why Google Pay bookmakers are on the rise. GPay is the go-to method for Android users who want to pay with NFC or deposit instantly online.
⏩ Apple Pay: is another popular method in Iceland. Apple Pay betting sites are preferred by bettors who want multiple banking accounts under one application.
Do Estonia Betting Sites Allow Cryptocurrencies?
Locally licensed bookmakers are not allowed to include any cryptocurrencies in their cashier sections. The main reason is to prevent money laundering. This is why, if you want to perform transactions with Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, or any other crypto, you must find one of the best offshore sportsbooks that let you deposit with any method you prefer.
Sports Betting in Estonia: What Does the Future Hold
Estonia was one of the pioneers of online gambling in Europe. The market is well-regulated by the ETCB, licensing multiple brands throughout the years. Locals do not have to pay taxes on their winnings and are free to place wagers on any sportsbook they prefer. Nonetheless, the vast majority of popular betting sites in Estonia are unlicensed.
Thus, it would be prudent for the authorities to look for ways to lure more international bookmakers into becoming future licensees. Several amendments have been proposed throughout the years, with a main target to protect players. Ultimately, we do not expect any radical changes in the following years.
Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries
⏩ Russia: the government has legalised all land-based and online gambling. Operators need to apply for a local permit to obtain a domain and authorisation to provide their services. However, despite the blocking of websites, Russian Bookies do not necessarily hold licenses, and some international brands offer access through mirror sites.
⏩ Latvia: is another neighbour that also regulated its market fully. Casinos and bookmakers need a local license to operate on land and online. The licensed Latvia betting sites run under a ".lv" domain, while other international companies are still free to offer their services, especially if they have a recognised EU permit.
⏩ Lithuania: also issues local licenses and has a fully legal gambling scene. The country has a considerable market, and a lot of the locals prefer to gamble online. There are few Lithuania betting sites that hold the license, and here too, many international bookies are blacklisted. But punters still have a lot of choices to choose from.
Absolutely. Online betting in Estonia has been legal since 2010. The 2008 Gambling Act is the country’s current gambling legislation, while the Estonian Tax and Customs Board regulates the local market.
As is the case with most European countries, the legal age for online betting in Estonia is set at 18. If you are above the threshold, you can freely register with any betting site operating in the country.
Yes. As a matter of fact, Unibet Eesti is one of the major international betting sites that have both an activity license and an operating permit issued by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Therefore, it operates legally within the local market.
Most players in the country top up their accounts through debit cards, debit cards, and instant mobile payments. If you are looking to deposit via cryptocurrencies, you must visit international bookmakers.
After carefully evaluating all local and international betting sites in Estonia, we can safely say that some of the best alternatives to place your wagers are Rise of Bets, Megapari, BC.game, and 21bets.
Yes, it does. Olybet Eesti is one of the most popular betting sites in the Baltics. It has a local license issued by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) and is very appealing to domestic bettors as it offers an interface optimized in Estonian.
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board apart from being the sole gambling regulator of the country, is also tasked with the issuance of licenses for online bookmakers. The ETCB was founded in 2011 and began granting licenses to foreign operators the same year.
Among the various international bookmakers that operate in the local betting market, there are a few that have successfully optimized their websites in Estonian. The most prominent ones are Betwinner and Megapari.