Sports Betting Growing in Estonia – Stay Up To Date With The Trends

As Estonia was a part of the Soviet Union until the early 1990s, it didn’t allow any forms of betting or gambling until it became an independent country. While sports fans could bet at illegal black markets during Estonia’s membership in the Soviet Union, this was far from organized and didn’t offer bettors many opportunities.

But now, online sports betting in Estonia is growing at a faster pace than ever before, as more and more sports fans are jumping onto this trend. In this article, we’ll discuss the current state of sports betting in Estonia and how this branch of the industry can evolve going into the future.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Estonia?

Yes, sports betting and online sports betting are entirely legal and well-regulated in Estonia. Betting activities were legalized in the country at the same time as gambling when the Estonian government put the Gambling Act and the Gambling Tax Act into power in 2010.

Additionally, while online gamblers must be at least 21 years old to enjoy Estonian casinos, Estonian sports bettors can bet on their favorite sports once they reach 18. The registration process is simple and quick.

If you want to explore sports betting, casino games, or both, the best casinos for sports betting have got you covered. Many of these top platforms serve as both casinos and sportsbooks, making it easy to switch between gambling and betting, all in one place.

Are Estonian Sports Bettors Taxed?

One of the main reasons why sports betting is so prevalent in Estonia is that sports bettors don’t have to pay any taxes on their winnings. Like in many other European countries, the tax burden is placed on the operators instead of the players.

Moreover, this means that Estonian sports bettors don’t have to disclose their winnings on their tax returns. This makes it not only a fun pastime but a potentially very lucrative one, as Estonian sports bettors get to keep every cent they win.

What Are The Most Popular Sports To Bet On In Estonia?

Sport is a big part of Estonian culture. The country’s athletes are passionately celebrated for their achievements and devotedly viewed in many competitions. Needless to say, betting goes perfectly with this intense enthusiasm for sports. By betting on their favorite team or athlete, many Estonian sports fans feel like a part of the participant’s achievements.

When it comes to the most popular sports in the country, basketball reigns supreme as a fan favorite for many sports enthusiasts. Both the national team and the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League enjoy massive popularity.

After basketball as the de facto national sport in the country, football, beach volleyball, and ice hockey are some of the most popular sports to bet on among Estonians. All of these sports are well-represented in Estonian online sportsbooks, offering sports bettors many betting markets to pick from.

Estonians Can Bet at Both Local and Foreign Sportsbooks

Estonian sports bettors can pick from a great selection of local sports betting platforms and enjoy betting in their native language, with native-language customer support. 

Additionally, many foreign sportsbooks and casinos with sports betting accept Estonian players. 

That said, these might not be suitable for every Estonian sports betting fan, as most of them don’t offer platforms natively translated into the Estonian language.

Sports Betting In Estonia Has a Bright Future

According to the most recent stats, online sports betting in Estonia is expected to surpass $43 million in 2023. Considering that the country has only slightly over 1.3 million citizens, these numbers are very impressive. Moreover, with a predicted annual growth rate of over 8%, this figure is expected to top $58 million by 2027.

Still, there’s room for growth, as sports betting doesn’t enjoy the same popularity as gambling in the country. And, considering that Estonians enjoy watching many different sports, it’s not difficult to see sports betting becoming an even more lucrative industry in the country.

Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that sports betting in Estonia has only been legal a fraction of the time it’s been allowed in some Western European countries. So, the industry is very much in its early years and still has a way to go to reach its full potential.