Key points
- Remote gambling in Estonia requires an activity licence and a separate operating permit, decided by the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA).
- The minimum age for games of chance, including remote gambling, is 21 (§ 34(2) of the Gambling Act).
- Estonia keeps a list of persons with a gambling restriction. Licensed operators must check it.
- Licensed remote operators must use an electronic record-keeping and control system.
Who regulates online casinos in Estonia?
The Estonian Gambling Act sets the rules, and the Tax and Customs Board (Maksu- ja Tolliamet, EMTA) decides on licences (§ 16(3)). Remote gambling needs two things: an activity licence and an operating permit for remote gambling (§ 22(1)(4)). The permit is issued only to an activity licence holder (§ 22(2)). We checked the English translation of the Act in force from 1 January 2026.
Is a foreign online casino legal in Estonia?
An operator needs Estonian authorisation to offer remote gambling to people in Estonia. The Act also has rules on foreign operators without an Estonian activity licence or permit (§ 8(7)).
Age, identity and restrictions
- Age 21. § 34(2): a person under 21 may not play a game of chance, including one organised as remote gambling, or remote skill games.
- Restriction list. § 39 provides for a list of persons with restrictions on playing games of chance, giving people "an opportunity to limit their gambling".
- Checks at licensed sites. EMTA's permit application form asks operators to describe their age checks, when they check the restriction list, and their record-keeping and control system.
How to check an operator
- Check EMTA's information for gambling organisers and its register of licences and permits.
- Confirm the company holds both an activity licence and a remote-gambling operating permit.
- Match the website address to the permit.
Bonuses
Licensed operators' offers must follow the Act and the advertising rules. Read wagering, expiry and game-contribution terms before you accept. See casino bonuses explained.
Complaints and help
- Complain to the licensed operator first, then to EMTA.
- Ask to be added to the restriction list if you need a break from gambling.
Note about the offers on this page: the offers shown above are general advertising and do not indicate a licence in Estonia. Use only operators licensed by the national regulator.
Sources
- Riigi Teataja, Gambling Act (English translation, in force from 1 January 2026). § 8(7), § 16(3), § 22, § 34(2), § 39. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Maksu- ja Tolliamet, Application for an operating permit for remote gambling Checked 3 November 2026.
Limitations: a summary for players, not legal advice. The English translation is for information; the Estonian text is authoritative.