The Estonian license is a new challenger to the famous MGA license

  • 2023-06-16

Online casino gaming is extremely popular all over the world. For thousands of years, common people have wanted to try their luck and make a better future for themselves by playing games of chance. With the help of online casinos, this has become even more simple as the best games in the business can now be enjoyed on the go where you want to play.

In this article, we will discuss the rise of the new Estonian gambling license. On top of this, we will compare it to the famous MGA license. What are the pros and cons of both these licenses? Be sure to keep reading to find out more!

Every legal online casino needs a license

Not just everyone off the street can put together their own online casino. In many countries of the world, the state is the only authority that is allowed to provide customers with any form of gambling. For instance, in Finland, it is the state-owned Veikkaus that holds the monopoly.

In several countries, despite the monopoly, online casino gaming is more of a free market. While online casinos may be forbidden from offering their services to mainland customers, consumers themselves are not penalized for venturing outside of the system.

Regardless of what individual gambling systems look like, all online casinos will have to invest in an online casino license for them to be able to offer services legally. By getting a license, the casino in question ensures that it follows all the necessary international laws and regulations put in place.

Several regulatory bodies provide licenses to new casinos. Some of the most prevalent ones are authorities in places like Estonia, Malta, Isle of Man, Alderney, and Curacao. Each of these authorities adheres to their own specific sets of standards and requirements.

For many of those in Europe, playing at MGA casinos or EMTA within the European Union or the European Economic Area is the best choice. This is because the licensing authorities within these regions are required to pay taxes in Europe, which means that European customers themselves can usually enjoy tax-free winnings.

Malta and Estonia both have some of the best licenses

As previously stated, playing at casinos operating from within the EU or the EEA is usually the best bet for Europeans. And, it is not even just because of the tax-free winnings but the high standards that European authorities tend to follow.

The two best gaming authorities currently in operation are the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Estonian Tax and Customers Board (EMTA or ETCB). Both of these authorities tick the EU box and are therefore able to provide tax-free winnings for Estonians, Finns and several other nationalities in Europe and in the Baltics.

From the other licensing authorities that we previously mentioned, the Isle of Man and Alderney are both located next to Great Britain. Neither of these authorities can offer tax-free wins to customers. Swedish and Danish authorities, on the other hand, only allow their residents to play within their respective licensing systems.

Differences between the Estonian and MGA license

Finally, we will take a look at some of the key differences and similarities between the two best licenses in Europe.

1. Reputation

The Malta Gaming Authority has been licensing European online casinos for a very long time. The country has gradually become known as a central hub for European casino gambling, and a staggering 12% of its GDP is associated with the gambling industry.

The Estonian authorities, on the other hand, only entered the field a few years ago. Despite this, the EMTA has swiftly been bridging the gap by becoming known as a reputable and safe operator.

2. Price

The Malta license has become known for its high price and long application queues. Because of this, many new casino brands are choosing the much cheaper and more nimble Estonian license instead.

3. Requirements

The MGA license has been around long enough to have a very strong regulatory framework in place. As a result of this, players all around the world have come to trust casinos with this very license. That being said, the EMTA has made many strides in bolstering its own framework and making its license as safe as can be.

Conclusion

From a customer standpoint, it is pretty much the same whether the casino has a license from Estonia or Malta. Both emphasize safety and always make sure to promote responsible gambling practices to their customers.