Best Sports betting Casinos in Estonia: Top 10 Casino Websites 2023

Everything you need to know about betting in Estonia

One reason why sports betting is popular in Estonia is the fact that sports are part of the Estonian culture. Having finished fifth in the FIBA EuroBasket on two occasions highlights this. Additionally, most online sports betting sites in Estonia are compatible with mobile devices.

It is more convenient to bet on the go than being stationed at a computer table. There are also many bonuses that come with betting online. Estonians can grab welcome bonuses and other incentives, which enable them to place bets without causing much harm to their betting budget.

Estonian Players' Favorite Sports to bet on

The diversity of sports events available at online sports betting in Estonia is of significant importance as Estonian bettors typically love betting on more than one sport. Estonian bettors prefer some of the most popular sports such as football, basketball, hockey, and tennis. Fortunately, the best online bookmakers in the country take bets on all these sports.

Football

It must be remembered that Estonia is a European country, and as such, football top the list of punters' preferences. It is the most played sport globally, so punters have football matches to bet on every day. Football betting opportunities for Estonians come in many ways, with the English Premier League matches perhaps offering the best chance for punters. With the so-called top four or top six league teams having many fans in Estonia, it is no surprise that thousands of bets are placed on EPL matches every weekend.

Other top football tournaments and leagues that Estonians bet on include La Liga, Major League Soccer, Bundesliga, Serie A, and French League One. When it comes to betting markets, football is a cut above the rest. Popular bets include Match Winner, Both Teams to Score, Number of Goals, Odd/Even goals, etc.

Basketball

With a domestic basketball championship known as Korvpalli Meistriliiga, Estonia's love for the sport is evident. But Estonians also bet on basketball competitions of other countries, including the NBA. Estonians can bet on points spread, game lines, race to 20 points, and match winner.

Horse Racing

Horse racing has been synonymous with betting for many years, and Estonian bettors can't help joining the rest of the world. Horse racing events are always available daily, allowing punters to bet 24/7.

Other Sports

Sports betting options in Estonia go way beyond the above three sports. Other popular sports that provide Estonians with excellent betting opportunities include:

Ice hockey
Volleyball
Tennis
Rugby
Esports

Biggest Local Tournaments and Events

Premium Liiga
Esiliiga
Estonia Championship
Korvpalli Meistriliiga

Best Odds for Estonian Players

Typically, every Estonian bettor looks for the best odds, which involves comparing what various bookmakers offer. Better odds will result in higher profits if a bettor wins. With both local and international sites available in the country, punters here have plenty to choose from as far as the best odds are concerned.

Biggest Sporting Events in Estonia

The biggest sporting events in Estonia cut across all popular sports, including basketball and football. Football, for instance, presents some of the biggest international, regional, and national tournaments.

These include the World Cup, the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and the Uefa Champions League. Other big football events include the English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and Bundesliga. When it comes to basketball, top tournaments include the Basketball World Cup, NBA, and Euroleague.

It doesn't matter where these events are taking place; the fact of the matter is that they provide huge betting opportunities to Estonians, with every online bookie in the country trying their best to offer odds on all these events.

Are Bonuses Popular in Estonia?

Best online bookmakers should actually meet punters' expectations. Of course, Estonian bettors are constantly looking for every opportunity to place profitable bets. Bonus offer this opportunity. One of the most popular bonuses in the Estonian betting system is the welcome bonus.

It gives punters a successful start by giving them the chance to make their initial steps as good as possible. Bookmakers in Estonia also offer free bet bonuses, allowing players to place bets even with a zero balance.

Sports betting Payment Methods in Estonia

Online Estonia betting sites accept dozens of payment methods that punters can use to deposit money into their accounts or receive withdrawals. All popular international payment solutions such as VISA, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Entropay, and Paysafecard are accepted by these sites. But some betting sites also support Estonia-specific payment solutions that work directly with their banks. Here is a look at some of them:

U-Net

U-Net is a payment processor that allows bettors in Estonia to fund their gambling accounts straight from their bank accounts. When using this option, punters are redirected to an encrypted site where they need to enter their banking information to complete the transaction. The funds will be debited from the bank account instantly.

Trustly

This is yet another method that facilitates transactions between the punter's bank and betting account. It doesn't require the user's debit or credit card number and uses a unique transaction code, which makes it secure. It can also send the user to their online banking page, where they can log in and complete the transaction. Trustly works with many big banks in Estonia, including Nordea, SEB, and Swedbank.

Bank Transfer

Many sportsbooks in Estonia also support direct bank transfers. The method is efficient and secure, with banks like Swedbank offering an online banking system where punters can log in and complete money deposits into their player accounts.

History of Betting in Estonia

The real gambling history in Estonia began after independence. Under the Soviet rule, all forms of gambling were illegal in the country, although this did not stop black-market gambling in the country. After independence, the new government legalized gambling and began exploring ways to regulate the industry and collect taxes straight away.

This started with the establishment of a state lottery in 1994, followed by the enactment of the Gambling Act of 1995, which acted as the main piece of legislation regulating gambling in the country. All forms of offline gambling in Estonia became legal under this law.

Following the legalization of betting in the country, many investors were now free to set up betting joints and offer odds on a wide array of sports. One operator that stands out is Spordiennustus, a gaming firm operated by the Estonia Olympic Committee, which also runs dozens of brick-and-mortar casinos in Estonia.

The first-ever local online sports bookie in Estonia was licensed in 2010. At the same time, foreign operators were blacklisted and could not legally operate in Estonia. However, the latter proved difficult to enforce, forcing the Estonian government to extend the licensing to international bookmakers in 2012.

Betting Nowadays in Estonia

Currently, any operator who offers betting holds a license from the government of Estonia. As such, there are over a dozen betting sites licensed in the country. For Estonians who want to get the feel of a localized betting experience, these sites are the best option. That said, Estonian punters haven't stopped searching for diverse online betting options.

That's why thousands of them prefer betting at international sportsbooks. Thankfully, most of these sportsbooks are licensed by well-known regulatory authorities, and punters in Estonia have little to worry about as far as their safety is concerned.

Future of Betting in Estonia

While there seems to be little government desire for a radical change in the current betting legislation in Estonia, the present system appears to work well for all parties, including operators, regulators, and gamblers. Nevertheless, there are some limitations attempted on unlicensed bookmakers. The Estonian government may, in the future, consider lowering licensing fees as a prudent way of luring more international bookmakers into becoming licensees.

Proposed amendments focusing on player protection and safety have been mooted, including a national self-exclusion list. Many operators will consider implementing these to portray themselves as promoters of responsible gambling.

Are Bookmakers Legal in Estonia?

Being part of the European Union, Estonia definitely follows the union's regulations as only lots of things, including gambling. Besides, the country has the so-called Estonian Tax and Customs Board, which handles gambling licensing matters within the borders of Estonia. Having this in mind, it is clear that bookmakers are legal in Estonia. So, Estonians can freely bet at both local and international sportsbooks.

Betting Legislation in Estonia

Estonia does have some good legislation when it comes to betting. As previously mentioned, the law requires betting operators to obtain a license before they can take bets in the country. Like in many other EU nations, Estonia has made sports betting winnings tax-free to ensure winners can significantly benefit from their sweat.

Additionally, betting authorities in the country don't require punters to disclose their winnings on their income tax returns. However, betting firms must pay a 5% tax on their revenue, although this is among the lowest tax rates in the world.

Betting Acts in Estonia

Two pieces of legislation regulate gambling in Estonia. These include the Gambling Tax Act and the Gambling Act. Together, these laws make up the taxation, regulatory, and legal framework for all forms of online betting.

The Lottery Act of 1994 and the Gambling Act of 1995

These two laws were the first gambling laws to be passed in Estonia once the country became independent and legalized gambling. The Lottery Act established a state lottery, which was a state monopoly. The Gambling Act of 1995, on the other hand, was passed to legalize all forms of offline gambling in Estonia, including betting shops.

The Gambling Act

Passed in 2009, this law came into effect in 2010 to address online gambling in Estonia. While previous laws and regulations (The Gambling Act of 1995 and the Lottery Act of 1994) focused on offline gambling, the Gambling Act of 2009 was the first-ever law to speak to online gambling in Estonia. Under this Act, the requirement for a gambling license was created, and it stands today. The law also outlines clearly which forms of gambling are allowed online.

Initially, the Gaming Act provided that all servers must be located in Estonia, a requirement that was lifted following a 2012 amendment of the Act. According to this amendment, operators are allowed to go about their business in Estonia so long as their servers are located in a jurisdiction with its own licensing system. The country of server location should also be ready to share information with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.

FAQs

How can punters bet online from Estonia?

While many Estonians desire to join sports betting, some of them don't know how to bet in/from Estonia. Well, it involves finding a licensed sportsbook, opening an account, funding the account, and choosing a sports event to bet on. The sportsbook can either be a local or international betting site.

What sports offer the best betting opportunities for Estonians?

Football is by far the most popular sport among Estonian bettors. It presents hundreds of matches every day. The betting markets are also excellent.

Is online sports betting legal in Estonia?

Yes, and this has been the situation since 2010. However, those offering betting services are required to hold a gambling license from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, the regulator of the local betting market.

Can Estonians bet on their mobile phones?

Yes. Most online sports betting sites available in Estonia are mobile-friendly, and they also have mobile apps. Estonia is one of the most digitized European countries.

Top-rated Sports betting gambling sites in Estonia