Rise in gambling self-exclusion in Estonia
The number of people using the system has risen by nearly 36 per cent in five years.
Estonia.- The number of people in Estonia opting for self-imposed gambling restrictions has grown in five years from just over 14,000 to approximately 19,000. Jekaterina Nikitina, head of the excise department at the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), said the number had risen by 4,984, nearly 36 per cent.
Only players themselves can implement self-exclusion, not family members or other individuals regardless of any concerns about a person’s gambling habits. Lottery scratch cards are exempt, but players can voluntarily restrict participation in most other gambling activities, including table games at both online and physical casinos, sports betting, skill-based games such as poker and standard lottery draws.
Once registered in the gambling restriction database, the decision becomes irreversible for the chosen duration, which can range from six to 36 months. However, unlike other bans, self-exclusion does not automatically expire. Once the timeframe ends, players must submit a separate request to remove the restriction. Exclusion cannot be revoked before its completion
Players can implement these restrictions through EMTA’s self-service portal, and gambling operators licensed in Estonia are obligated to uphold the exclusion, preventing affected individuals from engaging in gaming until their restriction is lifted.
Estonia gambling reforms
In March, the Ministry of Finance announced plans to amend articles in Estonia’s Gambling Act of 2008 but said the changes would not mean tighter laws. Rainer Osanik, head of financial policies and intelligence, told the Estonian parliament’s Economic Affairs Committee, that draft amendments would be ready for feedback by June. The aim is to implement the new legislation in the first half of 2026.
As for what changes can be expected, Osanik said there would be a review of rules for online game designs and systems after committee members called for measures on in-play mechanics and incentives. Committee Chairman Jaak Aab has raised concerns over research showing an “increase in pre-addiction phases” of gambling.
The Ministry of Finance also intends to expand Estonia’s national gambling self-exclusion scheme, HAMPI, to allow family members to request exclusions for relatives. Currently, players can only be added to the list if they choose to join it voluntarily. The Ministry is interested in allowing courts to mandate inclusion but has concerns that the legal process could put some people off requesting an exclusion.
Despite concerns about minors gambling, Osanik said his current brief did not include plans to address loot boxes or virtual currency purchases in video games. Estonia already has a minimum age of 21 for gambling.
Nor does the Ministry of Finance intend to make more adjustments to gambling tax following last year’s rise in remote gambling tax, Toto tax and games of change tournament tax from 5 to 6 per cent and the increase in lottery sales tax from 18 to 22 per cent. However, Osanik noted that the Ministry would be reviewing feedback on the new tax regime in the forthcoming months.
