Estonia Sees Significant Increase in Gamblers Choosing Self-Restriction
Over the past five years, the number of Estonians choosing to impose self-restrictions on their gambling activities has increased significantly, rising from just over 14,000 to approximately 19,000. This growth of nearly 36% highlights a rising awareness or concern among gamblers about their gaming habits. Estonia Gamblers
Jekaterina Nikitina, who heads the excise department at the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), explained that the increase in restrictions is quite substantial. “In the past five years, the number of people with restrictions has increased by about 5000, or more precisely, by 4984 people,” she stated. This figure underscores a growing trend of individuals taking proactive steps to regulate their gambling behavior.
It is important to note that these restrictions can only be self-imposed by the gamblers themselves. They cannot be mandated by family members, friends, or any other third parties, regardless of whether the individual is struggling with gambling-related issues. Additionally, not all forms of gambling are eligible for self-restriction. For example, lottery scratch cards are excluded, but most other gambling activities—including table games at both online and physical casinos, the regular lottery, sports betting, and skill-based games like various forms of poker—can be voluntarily restricted through this process, according to EMTA.
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Once a restriction is applied and recorded in the gambling restriction register, it cannot be reversed. Nikitina explained that individuals must choose a period for their restriction, which can range from six to 36 months. After this period, they need to submit a separate application to be removed from the list. The restriction does not end automatically, nor can it be terminated at will during its validity period.
The process of imposing restrictions is streamlined through EMTA’s self-service portal, making it accessible for gamblers to take control of their gaming habits. Moreover, licensed gambling operators in Estonia are prohibited from allowing individuals under restriction to participate in gambling activities, including those with a self-imposed ban. Estonia Gamblers
