Online poker is legal in Estonia under a well-regulated licensing framework managed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB). All gambling activities in the country are governed by the Gambling Act, which requires operators to obtain both an activity licence and an operating permit before providing services to Estonian residents (1). The regulatory framework has been designed to ensure player protection, prevent money laundering, and maintain industry integrity through strict compliance requirements.
Since 2010, Estonia has opened its gambling market to foreign operators, provided they secure proper local licensing from the ETCB. Online gambling operators can only lawfully provide services to customers located in Estonia if they possess a valid activity licence and operating permit (2). The licensing process includes comprehensive background checks, financial audits, and ongoing compliance monitoring to maintain high regulatory standards.
"In order to offer gambling in Estonia, a company must first apply for an activity licence for organising gambling and an operating permit from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board."
Estonia maintains strict age restrictions for online poker, requiring players to be at least 21 years old, which is higher than most other European jurisdictions. The country has established itself as an attractive destination for gambling operators due to its transparent regulatory process, EU market access, and relatively low gambling tax rate of 6% on gross gaming revenue. Licensed operators must comply with anti-money laundering protocols and provide unrestricted access to law enforcement agencies when required.
Source:
https://www.emta.ee/en/business-client/registration-business/gambling-operators/applying-permits
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4d6e49a1-1316-485b-97f1-2288d775ee4e
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
