Estonian Government says 'Yes' to online gambling

In a landmark decision that will bring the benefits to both the consumer and the government, Estonia has recognised the advantages of the online gambling industry by beginning to set realistic and achievable gambling standards within trade agreements. It is hoped that this will help to bolster the Government's finances and help to improve its economic situation as its struggles to recover from the effects of the global recession. Although only a small country, situated in central Europe, Estonia, like many other Western countries, has been left with a budget deficit after the economic downturn that began last year.

Of course, the main beneficiaries of the legalisation of the online gambling industry will be the companies such as PlayTech and the Olympic Casino Group. As Playtech's Executive Manager, Mor Weizer advised Poker News Daily: "We are truly glad of this opportunity to start our partnership with Olympic as the leading entertainment provider in Central and Eastern Europe"

The breakthrough decision from the European Court of Justice has ruled that each of the member countries should take their own measures to protect their citizens, but many of EU countries are struggling to set a decisive course of action regarding this ruling. Overseas players are however, faring much worse, as law makers in the United States continue to lobby for the establishment of a regulated online gaming system to replace the all-encompassing Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) created in 2025. This has seen acceptance levels decrease for US players, despite the United States being the leading number one market for online gambling.