Estonia Gambling License

Time frame

The decision usually takes between 4-6 months from documents submission. After the license is obtained, the applicant must send the necessary documents to register the gambling permit. The Department will take 2-4 months to make the decision.

Requirements

According to the government regulations, the shareholders of a gambling business must not include a person who:

• Has a criminal record
• Has organised gambling without an activity licence or operating permit, or has managed a company whose activity licence has been revoked due to a violation of the law
• Has caused the insolvency of a company due to a grave error in management

Before deciding on giving an activity licence, authorities check whether the applicant for the activity licence meets the requirements established for gambling operators. The authorities also check the tax behaviour of the last three years. If applicable, the additional characteristics of the applicant for the activity licence are collected to verify the documents submitted upon application for the activity license.

According to the Estonian authorities, the following documents should be presented along with the application form:

• Information and documents regarding the members of the management board and supervisory board of the applicant for an activity licence, including, for each person, the forename and surname, personal identification code or date of birth in the absence thereof, place of residence, a complete list of places of employment and positions, and documents that prove the trustworthiness of the members of the management board and supervisory board of the applicant for the activity licence and their conformity to the requirements of the Gambling Act, which the applicant considers essential to submit, and the information and documents specified in clause 11 (3) 2) of the Gambling Act
• Information about the auditor of the applicant for the activity licence, including the auditor’s name, place of residence or seat, personal identification code or date of birth in the absence thereof, or registry code
• A list of the shareholders of the applicant for the activity licence, including, for each shareholder, the name, registry code or personal identification code, or date of birth in the absence of a personal identification code, and information about the number of shares or size of the holding and the number of votes to be acquired or already held by each shareholder
• The information and documents specified in subsection 11 (2) of the Gambling Act regarding persons who have a qualifying holding in the applicant for the activity licence

The application process also involves paying a state fee:

• 47,940 EUR for the organisation of games of chance
• 3,200 EUR for the organisation of games of skill
• 31,960 EUR for the organisation of pari-mutuel betting

GAMBLING LICENSE IN ESTONIA

Cross-border activity

The European Union does not have set the requirements for organising gambling. It means that an activity licence acquired from another state within the European Economic Area does not grant the right to offer gambling in Estonia, which also valid vice versa. More information.

Estonian Casino Regulator

In Estonia, both online casinos and private casinos are licensed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA).

EMTA is also responsible for supervising Estonian casinos and ensuring the safety of your game.

Casino license in Estonia

Only casinos licensed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board can legally operate in Estonia.

Which companies do not need to apply for a gambling license in Estonia?

Both online casinos and casinos can only operate in Estonia if they have received a license.

However, the organization of games with signs of gambling without permission is allowed in the following cases:

• When the game is about dexterity, the only possible win is the opportunity to play the same game again.
• If sports competitions are offered
• If the lotteries are held, the amount of the prize pool DOES NOT EXCEED 1000 EUROS.
• When organizing a commercial lottery, the amount of the winning fund does not exceed 10,000 euros.

If the offer of a game with gambling characteristics falls into one of the above categories, neither a gambling license nor a gambling tax is required.

A casino license issued by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board increases the credibility of the casino, and in case of an EMTA problem can also help you in such cases. For other casinos EMTA does not have this option.

At the same time, playing in a casino with an Estonian license helps to avoid such problems, as it is not easy to get an Estonian casino license, and EMTA also constantly controls casinos licensed in Estonia.

Regulated United Europe supports gambling businesses formation in Estonia. Please contact us and request a consultation from us today.