Estonia opens online casino market

Estonians love casino gambling, to help the country come from the economic recession, the government of Estonia introduced a new legislation for online gambling and casinos. The online gambling markets are now liberalized, first nationally and in 2011 they will be liberalized internationally.

Unlike many other countries like America or Russia, Estonia relaxes its gambling laws for online casinos and online gambling. On January 1, 2010 Online gambling is allowed in the Eastern European country, the government expects to open the online casino market for international competition next year, creating a strong betting market in the country. As a result of the new rules, online casino groups keep a close eye on the developments in Estonia for they eventually want to settle in the country.

In Estonia there are about 1.5 million gamblers who play in 150 casinos in 12 cities. The government hopes to boost the bad economy by offering online casino gambling through a 2 step plan. The first is to allow online gambling in the country at national level and starting January 2011 at international level. During the second phase, foreign online casinos may offer their services in the country. The country faces an economic loss of 36% and uses every opportunity to save the country and put it back on track.

In order to offer gambling in Estonia, a company needs a gambling permit, next year every licensed company may request a permit. The tax on gambling will earn Estonia millions of Euros on an annual basis.