Yesterday, 18 December 2025, the President of Estonia promulgated significant updates to the Estonian Gambling Act. These changes will come into force on 1 January 2026 and demonstrate Estonia’s commitment to a transparent, modern, and secure gambling environment. Here’s a summary of the key updates:
What’s new?
- Crypto-assets included:
Crypto-assets are now officially part of the definition of a bet. - Stricter payment channels:
Remote gambling bets must be received through a licensed credit institution, payment institution, electronic money institution, or crypto-asset service provider (CASP) in the EEA. This aims to reduce money-laundering risks. - Clearer remote gambling definition:
Remote gambling now covers any situation where participation rights, gameplay, and outcome determination happen outside a gambling venue via electronic devices (e.g., Internet, self-service terminals). This ensures proper regulation of practices in sports bars and online betting. - Enhanced closed loops principle:
Strengthens player protection and financial transparency. - Broader business activities:
Operators can now engage in a wider range of business activities. - Stricter disclosure obligations:
Applicants must meet comprehensive disclosure requirements aligned with AML and terrorism-financing risk assessment standards. - Transition period for existing operators:
Operators with current licenses must comply by 1 January 2027. - Increased cooperation between authorities:
The Gambling Regulator (EMTA) will now consult with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) during licensing. - More detailed annual auditor’s review:
Annual reviews must now provide more detail. - Significant increase in penalties and fines:
- Non-compliance with a percept: up to €32,000 (previously €3,200)
- Violation of game rules/deceit of a player: €26,000 (previously €2,600)
- Violation of age limits: €26,000 (previously €2,600)
- Gambling tax rate reductions:
- From 1 January 2026: 5.5% (down from 6%)
- 1 January 2027: 5%
- 1 January 2028: 4.5%
- 1 January 2029: 4%
The previously planned increase to 7% has been abolished.
What does this mean for your business?
If you have questions or would like to discuss the implications for your business, NJORD Law Firm in Estonia has a dedicated team of lawyers specialising in gambling compliance. Feel free to reach out!
