Estonia Sees 36% Surge in Gambling Self-Exclusion

Estonia’s gambling landscape is undergoing a silent but powerful transformation.

In just five years, the number of people self-excluding from gambling in Estonia surged by nearly 36%.

This rise reflects growing public awareness and hints at the urgent need for updated gambling reforms.

Let’s explore why self-exclusion is rising, what reforms are on the horizon, and why operators must prepare.

Estonia’s Gambling Self-Exclusion Surges: What’s Driving the Rise and What’s Next?

3 Key Points

• Self-exclusion in Estonia grew from 14,000 to 19,000 players in just five years.
• Planned reforms may allow family- and court-ordered exclusions to better protect vulnerable players.
• Despite rising concerns, reforms won’t tighten tax rates or address loot boxes — at least for now.

Estonia’s Self-Exclusion System: Growing Demand for Player Protection

Estonia’s gambling sector has seen a sharp rise in player self-exclusion over the last five years.

The number of individuals opting for self-restriction grew from around 14,000 to nearly 19,000 — a jump of 36%.

Jekaterina Nikitina, head of the excise department at the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), confirmed this surge, highlighting the increasing demand for responsible gambling measures.

Currently, self-exclusion can only be activated by players themselves, not family or friends, regardless of concerns.

Players can block access to most gambling activities, including:

• Online and land-based casino games
• Sports betting
• Poker and other skill-based games
• Lottery draws (excluding scratch cards)

Exclusions last between six and 36 months and do not automatically expire. Once the period ends, players must formally request removal.

Players can easily apply through the EMTA self-service portal, and licensed gambling operators are required to honor the exclusion.

Planned Reforms: A More Comprehensive Approach

Estonia’s Ministry of Finance announced planned amendments to the Gambling Act of 2008.

While these changes won’t necessarily tighten existing laws, they aim to modernize the sector.

Key reform highlights include:

• Online Game Design Review: Addressing concerns over in-play mechanics and addictive incentives.
• Expansion of HAMPI Self-Exclusion: Potentially allowing family members to request exclusions for at-risk relatives.
• Court-Ordered Exclusions: Considering whether courts should have the power to mandate player bans.

Committee Chairman Jaak Aab has voiced concern over the “increase in pre-addiction phases,” signaling growing political and social pressure for action.

However, the Ministry remains cautious about overregulation. It acknowledges that court involvement may deter some people from seeking help.

Limits to Reform: What’s Off the Table?

Despite concerns about gambling among young people, the Ministry’s current agenda does not include addressing:

• Loot boxes in video games
• Virtual currency purchases

Estonia already enforces a minimum gambling age of 21.

Additionally, the Ministry has no plans to further adjust tax rates after last year’s increases:

• Remote gambling tax: from 5% to 6%
• Lottery sales tax: from 18% to 22%

However, feedback on these recent tax changes will be reviewed in the coming months.

Why Are Self-Exclusions Rising?

Several factors may explain the sharp increase in Estonia’s self-exclusion numbers:

• Increased Public Awareness: More media attention on gambling risks and available protections.
• Easier Access: EMTA’s user-friendly portal makes it simple for players to self-exclude.
• Industry Growth: As online gambling expands, more players are engaging — and some are seeking limits.

Notably, this rise reflects a global trend, as countries worldwide focus on responsible gaming frameworks.

Challenges Ahead: Tackling the Grey Market

While legal operators follow strict rules, Estonia still faces challenges from the unregulated gambling market.

Unlicensed sites can evade self-exclusion protocols, leaving at-risk players vulnerable.

Expanding HAMPI and exploring family- or court-mandated exclusions could help address this gap.

However, striking the right balance between player protection and personal freedom will remain a policy challenge.

Estonia’s gambling self-exclusion program has seen remarkable growth, reflecting increased awareness and demand for protection.

As the Ministry of Finance moves forward with reforms, the focus will be on expanding the HAMPI system, reviewing game design practices, and potentially adding family- and court-ordered exclusions.

Although taxes and youth-focused policies like loot box regulations are not on the immediate agenda, ongoing feedback may shape future reforms.

For operators, regulators, and players alike, Estonia’s evolving gambling landscape is a reminder: responsible gaming is no longer optional — it’s a core expectation.