Unlike most European countries, Iceland has not yet developed a clear regulatory framework around online gambling. Íslensk Getspágetraunir is the only licensed bookmaker allowed to offer sports betting and lottery services to locals.
However, the latter fails to provide diverse betting markets, competitive odds or rewarding bonuses. This has led most players to seek international sportsbooks. Luckily, local authorities do not take any actions for bettors who do so.
On this page, we will explain all you need to know about the country’s regulation, taxes and even the best payment methods to top up your account. Let’s start with the best Iceland betting sites you can find.
Full List of Betting Sites in Iceland
How to Find the Best Iceland Betting Sites
As a local bettor, there are several factors you should evaluate when selecting the best betting sites in Iceland. Before creating an account with a new bookmaker, consider the following:
Sports & Markets
It's crucial to ensure the bookmaker provides coverage for the sports and markets you wish to bet on. While football and basketball are almost universally available, all platforms may not prioritise niche events like handball or water sports.
Live Betting
A strong selection of pre-match markets is insufficient. Instead, focus on international sites that offer extensive in-play betting options for your favourite sports, allowing you to engage even after the event begins.
Features
Online betting is constantly advancing, with features like Cash Out, Live Streaming, and Bet Builder gaining traction among users. Even if you don't use these tools frequently, it's wise to choose operators that include them in their services.
Payments
Given that sports betting in Iceland is unregulated, it’s essential to use discreet payment methods. Before signing up, check whether the bookmaker supports e-wallets or cryptocurrencies to maintain a low profile while funding your account.
Localization
This aspect can be challenging. Due to the legal landscape of online gambling in the country, few operators provide localized services. As a result, it’s uncommon to find platforms that allow you to switch the language to Icelandic or perform payments in ISK.
What You Need to Know About Sports Betting in Iceland
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Gambling Status |
250,000+ | 18 | Icelandic Króna | Unregulated |
Ever since 1926, Iceland has kept a negative stance against gambling, closing the market until 2001. That’s when Íslensk Getspágetraunir, a state-owned company, came in to host sports betting and lotto for locals.
To this day, they operate under the same website and constitute the only licensed sportsbook in the country. With no proper system or punishments in place, there are many international betting sites in Iceland that operate without a license and thrive.
Is Online Betting in Iceland Legal?
Without specific laws on online betting, the authorities have no means or interest in blocking international operators. That’s excellent news for locals who can decide where to bet. Furthermore, there’s no law targeting citizens who enjoy the services of foreign bookmakers, so there’s absolutely nothing at risk when choosing to bet on global brands.
The Icelandic Penal Code was updated in 2016, with articles 183 and 184 stating that the only punishable offence is engaging in betting or gambling professionally or deriving direct or indirect income from such activities on one’s premises. So, as long as online betting is viewed as entertaining, there’s nothing to worry about.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?
As mentioned above, the Icelandic Criminal Code states that professional gambling is illegal and cannot be declared as taxable income. This means you do not have to pay taxes on your winnings as long as they are below the professional threshold. Note, however, that you must be at least 18 before registering with any of the best betting sites in Iceland. Otherwise, you will not be able to complete the KYC procedures.
What Are the Limitations of International Iceland Betting Sites
The current landscape of sports betting in Iceland presents several notable challenges. To begin with, the absence of a local regulatory body makes it difficult to raise complaints or participate in self-exclusion programs. This is particularly devastating for problem gamblers who wish to stop.
Additionally, many platforms do not support the Icelandic Krone as a currency, resulting in the need for currency conversion and associated fees. Lastly, a common issue is the ability to perform transactions, especially for those who only use their cards or banks.
A Deeper Dive on Sports Betting in Iceland
Despite its small size, Iceland has become one of the most promising countries on the continent. The total gambling revenue has increased 25% from 2024 to 2025 and will reach €150 million. Most locals prefer placing wagers on the following sports.
Football Betting in Iceland
Even though the local Úrvalsdeild karla is not the best league in the world, Icelanders love watching and betting on football. The sport's popularity was strengthened after the national team qualified for the top competitions like the European Championship and the World Cup. People in the country visit international betting sites in Iceland to place bets on the most prominent European leagues and competitions. The English Premier League gathers the highest attention, followed by the Spanish La Liga and the German Bundesliga, where odds can reach up to 97%.
Basketball Betting in Iceland
Despite being a small country, Iceland hosts four tiers when it comes to basketball. Locals love participating in and watching basketball, which has translated to an increased interest in betting. Of course, the most prominent competitions globally, namely the NBA and the Euroleague, generate the highest revenue. On the plus side, all international bookmakers in the country thoroughly cover those leagues and you can wager in hundreds of markets both pre-game and live.
Handball Betting in Iceland
Iceland’s handball team is one of the best globally. It won the silver medal in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and the bronze in the 2010 European Championships. It is an excellent team sport to follow, especially since it is played indoors. The domestic league features 12 teams that locals love wagering on. Luckily, you can find a great selection of markets on most international Iceland betting sites.
Winter Sports Betting in Iceland
Due to its geographical location and landscape, Iceland is one of the top destinations in the world for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. This is one of the main reasons why locals are so interested in these events for online betting. We notice a considerable spike in bets during high-profile events like the Winter Olympics. The downside, though, is that most online bookies offer low odds and few markets for these sports.
How To Bet Online in Iceland - Step By Step
If you’re new to gambling and unsure how to get started, don’t worry. Just follow these steps, and your account will be set up quickly:
- 1 Pick a Bookmaker: Select a site that aligns with your preferences. Since there are restrictions, it’s essential to review our bookmaker ratings carefully to ensure the platform meets your requirements.
- 2 Create an Account: After deciding on a betting site, click the link to access its official page. Hit the registration button and fill in all the requested details.
- 3 Fund Your Account: Once ready, head to the cashier section to deposit funds. If you’re interested in claiming bonuses, make sure your deposit meets the minimum amount specified for eligibility.
- 4 Start Betting: After completing the setup, browse the sportsbook and place bets. You can save your best sports and leagues in the favourites section for quicker access during future visits.
Which Payments Do Icelandic Bettors Prefer?
The relaxed restrictions around online gambling mean you can use any available transaction method to deposit and withdraw money from your betting account. Let’s see which are the most popular in Iceland.
⏩ Debit & Credit Cards: Unsurprisingly, debit and credit card transactions dominate the daily transactions in the Icelandic market. You can use any Visa, Maestro or Mastercard to add funds to your account.
⏩ Mobile Payments: More than 90% of the locals own a smartphone. This means that Google or Apple Pay transactions are on the rise. Luckily, many international betting sites in Iceland accept them.
⏩ E-wallets: For those who prefer a higher level of anonymity, e-wallets are a great option. Among the most commonly used are Skrill, Ecopayz, and Neteller. However, note that many bookies exclude them from their betting bonuses.
⏩ Cryptos: Another popular alternative for countries that have no clear framework around gambling is cryptocurrencies. You ensure anonymity, avoid transaction fees, and perform instant withdrawals.
Sports Betting in Iceland: What Does the Future Hold
As evident from the data above, many things can be improved around online betting in the country. Implementing a licensing system allowing international bookmakers to apply for a permit would be the best move forward, especially since players can already use these bookies.
The competition between offshore betting sites in Iceland and the state-owned operator would positively affect punters and the state. For now, we can only wait and see if the government will amend the current online gambling legislation and end the monopoly in the near future.
Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries
⏩ Norway: has a large regulated scene, with a state monopoly on sports gambling, and casinos are banned. Even though the law is harsh, there is no real application for it, and the best betting sites in Norway are mostly international brands that have no legal permit.
⏩ Denmark: is another Nordic country that loves wagering on football. Gambling is legal in all its forms, and many operators have obtained local licenses. However, players are allowed to access any of the Denmark betting sites of their choice, and they usually prefer international companies.
⏩ Sweden: is home to some of the biggest international brands since sports and betting are so popular. The country legalised all forms of betting and imposed strict regulations and limits on bookmakers. This means most of the Sweden betting sites have local licenses and localisation. These bookies are obliged to accept Swedish Krone.
The truth is that the market is still unregulated. The local authorities have not yet voted on the legislation behind online gambling. However, they also do not take any action against players who bet on international Iceland betting sites.
Rolletto offers one of the highest welcome bonuses to Icelandic bettors. Read our guide to find out what is the Rolletto bonus code, and how to claim the offer.
Since there is no clear framework, the legal gambling age in the country is mostly determined by sportsbooks. In most cases, you will be able to create a new account as long as you are at least 18 years old.
You can top up your account using any method available in the bookmaker’s cashier section. Some of the most commonly used in Iceland are debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
You should note that international bookmakers are your best option when online betting in Iceland. Among the safest alternatives, you should register with 1xbet, Betovo, N1bet, and Nords Casino.
Being able to bet using your local currency is convenient and can also spare you some extra expenses since you don’t have to worry about currency exchange fees. Bookmakers like 1XBet and 22Bet allow you to bet in ISK and focus only on your bets.