Online Casinos in Estonia in 2010

A 1995 Gambling Act - rather recent, especially when taking into consideration such an outdated Wire Act (1961) that is somehow still relevant in the USA... - was recently updated by Estonia and will make online casinos legal in the country as of January 1st, 2010.

In just over four months, online casino operators will be able to possess a valid Gambling Activity License in Estonia and receive remote gambling operation permits. The new Estonia Gambling Act also recognizes licensed EU online gaming operators and welcomes them to the country, pending paperwork, licenses and continued supervision.

Online gambling is already available to casino players in Estonia. No license can be obtained from the Estonian government at this time, and yet the operators, as long as they are legit and licensed European companies, operate under free trade and free movement of services, European-wide regulations.

These operators will also be legal once the new Gambling Act takes effect.

They should, however, set a reminder for January 1, 2010, by when they need to acquire an Estonian license.