Sports betting is legal and regulated in Estonia under the Gambling Act, which comprehensively governs all forms of gambling activities including toto (sports betting). The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) serves as the primary regulatory authority responsible for issuing licenses to gambling operators and maintaining compliance with legal requirements (1). Licensed operators can conduct both land-based and online sports betting activities through a dual licensing system that requires both an activity license and operating permit.
Estonia's regulatory framework allows qualified companies to organize toto betting through a structured licensing process that ensures player protection and regulatory oversight. The Gambling Act permits public limited companies and private limited companies with minimum share capital of €130,000 to organize toto betting, while also allowing non-profit associations designated by the government to organize toto related to horse racing under specific conditions (2). Licensed operators must maintain electronic recordkeeping systems connected to EMTA's information system for real-time monitoring and compliance verification.
"The right to organise gambling is granted by an operating permit for organising gambling, which is issued by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board and is registered in the Register of Economic Activities."
The Estonian gambling market operates under strict consumer protection measures, including mandatory age verification systems that prohibit persons under 18 from participating in toto betting. Licensed sports betting operators must implement comprehensive player protection measures, including self-exclusion systems, spending limits for online betting, and responsible gambling warnings. The regulatory framework also includes robust anti-money laundering requirements, with operators required to maintain detailed transaction records and comply with Financial Intelligence Unit reporting obligations to ensure the integrity of sports betting operations throughout Estonia.
Source:
https://www.emta.ee/en/business-client/registration-business/gambling-operators/list-legal-gambling-operators
https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/515012016007/consolide
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
