Located in Northeast Europe, Estonia is a country with a solid iGaming authority. The Baltic country is known for having over 1,500 islands, with lots of rolling hills and serene lakes. But beyond its natural attraction, Estonia boasts a thriving gambling market and strict iGaming regulations.
Although not one of the most popular regulators in the world, the Estonia Gaming Authority stands out as a reputable organization. The government has laid out a solid framework for the regulation of online gambling through the Estonian Income Tax and Customs Board (EMTA).
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the EMTA iGaming license, its reputation, and how players are protected. You will also discover the benefits of playing at Estonian licensed casinos, as well as the drawbacks. Continue reading to discover how reliable the Estonian license is.
Before we begin to discuss the EMTA license properly, let’s take a step back in time. Gambling in Estonia started fully from 1994 to 1995, after it declared its independence from the Soviet Union.
The country established its first lottery act in 1994, after which a gambling act was enacted in 1995. These acts governed the country’s gambling landscape until 2008 when a new one was introduced. The 2008 Gambling Act laid the foundation for the regulation of the evolving gambling market.
During the global financial crisis in 2008, Estonia recognized online gambling as a new source of revenue. The government worked on the legislation and finally made it legal in 2010. Before then, only gambling sites run by native companies could operate in the country legally.
From January 2010, Estonia began to issue licenses to offshore casinos and also allowed them to operate in the country. The EMTA took on the responsibility of issuing licenses and regulating online gambling sites. Many offshore gambling brands joined the Estonia gambling market in 2011 and it has been evolving ever since.
The EMTA is responsible for issuing licenses for the following:
Although Estonia-licensed casinos are not so many, the gambling authority has managed to maintain a good reputation in the industry over the years. The small number of regulated casinos ensures that the iGaming authority can monitor them properly. It’s difficult to find complaints about malpractices from Estonian licensed casinos online.
Estonian casinos come with some benefits which make them a great choice for both native and international players. Here are some of the benefits:
The EMTA license also offers a lot of benefits to operators. License holders in Estonia do not have to pay heavy taxes compared to other licensing jurisdictions. Remote licensees pay just 5% tax on their net income.
To obtain an online gambling license in Estonia, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Once you’re ready to apply, you have to complete a form and provide the following details:
After submitting your application, the EMTA will send the initial reply within the first three business days. After that, you will have to wait for approval.
The major disadvantage of the Estonian iGaming license is the market size, which is why it is not so popular among casino sites. The authority mostly focuses on its local market, so most of its casinos do not accept players from outside the EU.
With the Pay N Play feature, users can play for real money at EMTA casinos without having to sign up. These casinos partner with Trustly, a payment processor that enables instant transfers from your bank accounts. Through Trustly, the casino can identify users via their bank ID.
All you need to do is visit the casino, click the “Play Now” button, make payments, and start playing. Withdrawals are also very easy. You only have to click on the withdrawal button and enter the amount. Your winnings are sent to your bank account through Trustly.
When it comes to the regulations and player protection policies of the Estonia iGaming Authority, we can describe it as excellent. The regulator constantly audits its casinos to ensure they maintain all required standards. It also ensures that the casino operators employ all necessary measures against identity theft and fraud.
As mentioned earlier, the authority also makes sure their casinos offer players the necessary responsible gambling features. You can rest assured that EMTA-licensed casinos are committed to responsible gambling and the safety of their players.
If you ever have a problem at gambling sites with the EMTA license, you must first reach out to the support team of the platform. Most EMTA casinos offer responsive customer support services.
However, if you do not come to a resolution with the casino’s support team, you need to collect all necessary information regarding the issues. After that, you must contact the ETMA or the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority. You can reach the authority easily via emta@emta.ee.
That’s it! We’ve provided all the details you need to know about the Estonia casino license in this guide. While it’s not one of the most popular regulators, it’s still a great one. The Estonia gambling authority has strict policies for its operators and it also prioritizes responsible gambling.
Lucky you if Estonia-licensed casinos are available in your location. Not only can you enjoy gambling safely, but you can also enjoy the thrills of instant crypto payments. Feel free to explore our website and find a suitable EMTA-licensed gambling site.
Regardless of where you play, never forget to stick to responsible gambling. Prioritize entertainment over making money at casino sites. Also, only play with funds you can afford to lose. We wish you good luck as you explore the goodies of EMTA-licensed casinos.
