The differences in online casino regulations in the Baltics

Online gambling sites are legal in the Baltics, so access to games such as Blackjack Roulette, Poker and online slots are widely available at licensed domestic and international operators. Eestikasiino.com provides detailed reviews for domestic gambling operators and enables readers to compare between the various options based on their specifications. 

Whether you are based in one of these countries or are curious about learning more, we will cover the differences in the rules and regulations for each country below.

Baltic Casino Regulations: An Overview

The regulations for the Baltic countries are generally very similar to each other. Unlike their European counterparts, they don’t have as many varying rules. For example, the UK Gambling Commission is quite strict about responsible gambling and applies extra pressure on operators in spotting problem behaviour.

Since there is no global body which regulates the online gambling industry, governments from different countries can impose their own rules and restrictions on the matter.

Estonia

Online gambling, including casinos and sportsbetting have been regulated in Estonia ever since 2010 for local operators and 2011 for international operators. Each gambling operator must have an issued license from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. 

In the past decade, several domestic and international operators have gone on to launch successful betting sites in Estonia. Before the new gambling act passed, online gambling activities were generally unregulated. This move has seen licensed online casinos being officially and closely monitored.

Estonia blocks any unlicensed casinos from offering any services or products to Estonians. All operators in Estonia must pay 5% in taxes, which is low and highly competitive.

Lithuania

The Gambling Act came into effect in Lithuania in 2016. Online casinos operating in this country must be regulated by the Gaming Control Authority. However, here’s where Lithuania differs when compared to other Baltic countries.

In order for a domestic online casino to be licensed, it must also run a land-based casino. Any companies who are based within the European Economic Area will only receive an online gambling licence only if they have at least one brick-and-mortar casino, ten slot machine halls and five horse betting parlours. 

Since 2016, the country has banned most gambling services and stops any illegal gambling opportunities in their track. Lithuanians are only allowed to gamble online at the age of 21 and 18 at brick-and-mortar casinos.

Latvia

The online gambling industry in Latvia has been regulated since 2006 by the Control Department of the Latvian government. While online casinos can get licensed in Latvia, there are also strict rules and regulations when it comes to the minimum set amounts on returns for specific games.

This tight regulation stipulated by Latvia’s Gambling and Lotteries Law also ensures that every online casino in Latvia must re-register with the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection on an annual basis.

Whether you are online gambling in Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia, there are mechanisms in place to safeguard players from potentially rogue casinos. These tight rules and regulations have also been designed to protect players from any potentially illegal sites that may have rigged games.