How the Baltic States Regulates Online Casinos

Online gambling is an integral part of the modern entertainment industry. However, the operators must be regulated to ensure the sites are operated ethically and lawfully. Although no global body regulates the online gambling industry, governments in different countries impose severe restrictions regarding the subject matter. In the Baltic state, which consists of 3 sovereign countries; Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, online gambling is legalized. That means citizens from the three countries can access online casinos and enjoy gaming on licensed sites such as Casino.online in each state. However, the rules in each country are slightly different. Continue reading to learn about the overall online gambling jurisdictions and how Baltic countries regulate the online gambling market.

Online gambling Jurisdictions

Gambling in Casino.online is fully legalised in some countries but a prohibited activity in others. Although there is no specific body governing online gambling globally, basic gambling industry jurisdictions are followed worldwide. For a gambling site operator to be licensed, it must meet various requirements. Here are some of the online gambling jurisdictions around the world.

  • Prevention of underage gambling

Underage betting is prohibited in all countries. Casino.online aims to ensure all the customers using their services have attained the right age as stated in the region’s regulation law. The site carries out vigorous identity checks on all their customers.

  • Handling complaints

Casino.online has a procedure for handling complaints to acquire licenses. The defined procedure is made available and offers a solution to any customer with any complaint.

  • Fairness of games

Casino.online demonstrates they will provide fairness of games and that all customers have an equal chance of winning. That means having their software regularly tested by an authorized 3rd party.

How the Baltic States regulate the Gambling Markets

Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania states have different rules governing online gambling as explained below.

Online Gambling regulations in Latvia

Online gambling is an established industry in Latvia, generating millions of Euros annually. Online casino gambling was unregulated in this country until 2006 when they introduced the Gambling and lotteries law. Since the law’s introduction, Casino.online have become legal and regulated in Latvia. Apart from licensing online casinos, the gambling and lottery law in the state imposes strict rules that Casino.online must adhere to. The law indicates the minimum return amount for specific games; all players must be above 18 years old. Also, the online casino site must re-register with Latvia’s regulatory authority annually, ensuring tight regulation. In addition, the state creates a blacklist of all unlicensed online casino/gambling sites and blocks them from operating illegally.

Online Casino Regulation in Estonia

Estonia introduced the gambling act in 2010, making sports betting and online casinos legal and regulated in the country for local operators. However, for foreign operators, the law came into effect in 2011. Casino.online must get a license from the Tax and customs board in the country and remit a 5% tax. Online casinos are strictly monitored, and all gambling sites that attempt to provide their services to the citizens while unlicensed are blocked. You are allowed to gamble in Estonia from the age of 16 years.

Online Casino Regulation in Lithuania

Lithuania started regulating online gambling in 2016 when the new law was enacted. The Gambling Control Authority is the body mandated to regulate online casinos. For local operators to secure a license, they must have a land-based casino. The same case applies to foreign operators within the European region. They must own at least one land-based casino overseas to secure a license.

Another rule is that Lithuania does not permit Casino.online to advertise their services to the locals. Advertising gambling in this country attracts hefty fines. Lithuanians are allowed to gamble online at the age of 21 years but 18 at years at land-based casinos.

 

The Baltic countries have legalized and regulated online casino sites such as Casino.online. In addition to securing licenses, the site must adhere to the set rules in the respective countries.

 

 

 

After starting out as an affiliate in 2009 and developing some recognized review portals, I have moved deeper into journalism and media. My experience has lead me to move into the B2B sector and write about compliance updates and report around the happenings of the online and land based gaming sector.