So, you’ve found a great-looking online casino, and it’s got an Estonian license? No problem; in this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about online casinos licensed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) – the official online gaming regulator of the small Baltic country. Specifically, we’ll look at the types of games, payment methods, and security measures you can expect to find at ETCB-licensed online casinos, and on top of all that, we’ll list all Estonian Tax & Custom Board licensed casinos for you to play at.
Estonian Tax & Customs Board Casino Brands
Useful Information
| Regulator Name: | Estonia Tax & Customs Board |
| Founded: | 1991 |
| Official Website: | https://www.emta.ee/en |
| Address: | Lõõtsa 8a, 15176 Tallinn, Estonia |
| Telephone Number: | +3728800811 |
| Email: | emta@emta.ee |
| Register a Complaint Online: | https://www.emta.ee/en/private-client/board-news-and-contacts/contacts/customer-support |
What Games Can I Play At Estonian Tax & Customs Board Casinos?
Online casinos with Estonian licenses offer a full spectrum of online casino games, where, of course, the lion’s share of these consist of slots. You’ll find everything from traditional three-reel fruit machines to the latest feature-packed video slots with multiple paylines and bonus games, where tier-one slot software providers include Hacksaw Gaming, Yggdrasil, Nolimit City, and Push Gaming. Estonian Tax and Customs Board-licensed casinos also offer a broad range of RNG (random number generator) table games, including varieties of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps.
Additionally, live dealer games have gained popularity at ETCB casinos over recent years. They feature real live hosts and authentic sets and provide the closest experience to a real land-based casino. Popular live casino providers include Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and Ezugi. TV-style game shows, like Sweet Bonanza Candyland, Mega Wheel, and Monopoly Live, have also become popular.
What Payment Methods Are Available At Casinos With An ETCB License?
Online gambling operators with ETCB licenses are permitted to accept a wide variety of payment methods, giving players plenty of convenient and secure options. Traditional payment methods like Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are widely accepted – although it should be noted that you can’t withdraw funds with credit cards. Bank transfers (a.k.a. ‘Wire transfers’) are also widely supported by Estonia-licensed casinos – including the faster Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) transfers within the European Union.
E-wallets are also widely supported by ETCB-licensed online casinos and are rapidly becoming the most popular way to pay. Services like Skrill, Neteller, Payz, and PayPal offer several advantages, including more privacy and security and very low-cost transfers.
As with online casinos licensed in jurisdictions like Curacao, some Estonia-licensed casinos also support cryptocurrencies. Usually, this is limited to the most popular cryptos, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, but more altcoins are sometimes available too. Cryptos can provide a higher degree of privacy, though you will still need to complete KYC verification before withdrawing from an ETCB casino.
Are Estonian Based Casinos Safe & Secure
Online casinos with Estonian licenses are some of the safest in the world; for example, all online casinos must use the latest encryption technologies (like SSL encryption) to help maintain a secure environment and protect player data. Being based in the European Union also means they must comply with the world’s strictest data protection and privacy policies.
Similarly to gaming sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority, ETCB-licensed casinos are regularly audited by independent third-party organisations such as BMM Testlabs. These auditors conduct tests to verify that all games offered are genuinely random and fair to players.
Estonian-licensed casinos are also required to follow best practices regarding responsible gambling, including providing resources and support for at-risk players. To qualify for an Estonian gambling license (games of chance), companies must also prove they have over €1,000,000 in share capital backing them. This helps reduce the chances of business failures and protects players from potential disruption.
A Brief History Of The Estonian Tax & Customs Board
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board was established upon independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Initially, the agency was tasked with regular tax and customs duties, but in 2010, its remit expanded to cover online gambling. The first online casino operator to be awarded an Estonian license was Olympic Casino Group, in partnership with Playtech.
From day one, the ETCB aimed to provide a regulatory framework that ensured a safe and transparent gaming environment, protecting players and providing an efficient base for operators. The development of the ETCB, and the Estonian online gaming industry in general, has paralleled the country’s efforts to become the world’s most advanced digital society – which even saw the government launch e-residency.
This enthusiastic and considered approach has resulted in Estonia becoming a highly respected jurisdiction for online gambling. So far, the country has attracted several online casino operators and is becoming an increasingly serious competitor to more established European online gaming jurisdictions like Malta.
Can ETCB Licensed Casinos Offer Promotions And VIP Privileges?
Yes. Online casinos with Estonian licenses are permitted to run a wide range of promotions and VIP programs. These can include welcome bonuses, cashback offers, free spins, and loyalty schemes to reward regular players. These bonuses help casinos attract new players in a very competitive global market and retain existing ones.
High rollers, or players with large bankrolls, can enjoy a range of perks at ETCB-licensed casinos. These can include things like personal account managers, exclusive bonuses, higher betting limits, faster withdrawal times, and even invitations to real-world events. Being able to offer these kinds of promotions can help give casinos under this license an edge over those from certain other jurisdictions.
Pros
- Regulation and Fairness: All games offered at ETCB-licensed casinos are genuinely random and fair. They have been tested and certified by independent testing labs.
- Responsible Gambling: ETCB-licensed casinos must provide responsible gambling resources and employ policies to reduce gambling harm.
- Security: All ETCB casinos must employ the latest SSL encryption and abide by strict EU data protection laws.
- Diverse Payment Options: From debit cards and bank transfers to e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, and cryptocurrencies, Estonian-licensed casinos offer plenty of payment options.
Cons
- Geographical Restrictions: Unfortunately, ETCB-licensed casinos are not accessible in many countries and regions, meaning they are unavailable to some international players.
- Limited Number of Casinos: While the ETCB maintains high standards, the number of licensed casinos may be limited compared to other jurisdictions, potentially reducing the variety of gaming options available to players.
- Compliance Costs: Compared with other strict jurisdictions, operating in Estonia means casinos have relatively high business costs. This can result in lower bonuses and/or higher fees for players.
Final Summary
Taking everything into account, casinos licensed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board offer a good balance of game choice, bonuses, security, and player protection. So, if you can access ETCB brands where you are located and are seeking out new brands to claim bonuses at, our comprehensive list of casinos is the perfect starting point for your next online gambling session.