How the Baltic States Regulate Online Casinos

Online casino regulations are different around the world, and sometimes, the difference is significant. To make your gambling experience as good as possible and stay on the safer side, it’s important to know the laws of the country you’re betting from. Today, iGamingNJ — a portal where one can find any NJ online casino that is licensed as well as the best no deposit bonuses for NJ online casinos — will shed some light on online gambling regulations in the Baltic states. 

Online Casino Regulation in Latvia

You might not think of Latvia as a popular gambling destination, but it actually is. Both land-based and online casinos are present and popular in the country, attracting players and generating revenue for the state budget. Online gambling has been regulated in Latvia since 2006, when the Gambling and Lotteries law was passed. Since then, online casinos have been required to obtain a license from the  Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection and renew it annually. The law also regulates the minimum gambling age and the minimum RTP limit for online gambling games. 

The Latvian government is very strict when it comes to illegal betting sites. Transactions to offshore casinos are blocked by Latvian banks, and internet providers are allowed to report players trying to reach blocked online casino websites. 

Online Casino Regulation in Estonia

Gambling is very popular in Estonia — some reports say almost 80% of adults in the country have engaged in some kind of betting activity at least once in their life. Luckily, Estonians have a chance to satisfy their betting urge safely and legally. Online betting has been legal and regulated in Estonia since 2010. In 2011, the country also opened its virtual doors to international online casinos, providing they obtain a special license; it’s a rare case, as most European countries either don’t let offshore casinos accept bets from their citizens or don’t regulate this process in any way. 

Both offline and online gambling in Estonia is regulated by the Tax and Customs Board. This institution is responsible for licensing, control, and general regulation of all gambling activities in the country. 

Online Casino Regulation in Lithuania

Lithuania was the last of the Baltic states to regulate online gambling — the respective law was only passed in 2016. Since then, online casinos have been allowed to operate in the country only after they obtain a license from the Lithuanian Gaming Control Authority. 

Lithuanian gambling laws are somewhat similar to the ones of New Jersey — to legally offer online gambling services in Lithuania, the operator is required to own a land-based casino first. It concerns both Lithuanians and other European gambling operators. At the moment, there are seven operators who have made it through all the procedures and are now accepting offline and online bets from Lithuanian players. All unlicensed websites are blocked from visiting and using. Besides, any advertising of online gambling activities is prohibited in Lithuania.