Estonia legalizes online gambling

**judyb57** · 01-13-2010, 09:40 PM

Estonia legalizes online gambling
Jan 07, 2010
Oskars Magone

The success of a PokerStars tournament organized last year helped to galvanize the decision. TALLINN - Estonia has legalized online gambling in an effort to help raise funds through taxation.

The country is hoping to join the eurozone next year and is desperately searching for alternatives sources of income after suffering one of the worst recessions in the EU.

The decision to legalize online gambling, including poker, comes on the heels of a highly successful poker tournament hosted by the country adn sponsored by PokerStars.com, the world's largest online gambling site.

The Estonian Free Press reported that people would be allowed to use Estonia-based online gaming companies through 2010, and that as of 2011 the market would be open to everyone.

“We are truly glad of this opportunity to start our partnership with Olympic as the leading casino entertainment provider in Central and Eastern Europe,” Executive Manager of Playtech Mor Weizer told the news site.

Estonian poker player Imre Leibold had previously said the development would be detremental to local players.

“The possibility that online poker gaming could be restricted is not good news for us,” he said. “I believe and hope that the whole affair is resolved and that there will be several reasonable gaming locations on the market. However, if things get tough, one may have to consider moving residence or start working abroad like Estonian builders in Finland.”

SOURCE

**Mouche12** · 01-15-2010, 10:20 AM

Now, this is a shining example for the USA! Come on Uncle Sam!!

CALizzz · 01-17-2010, 12:13 AM

Where in the hell is Estonia??? If I lived there I'd probably do whatever I wanted! Once I found the place!

Mouche12 as far as uncle sam.. Well he's become the uncle who is a total embarrasment. Can't trust or take him anywhere!!!

XOXOX

pevangel · 01-17-2010, 12:22 AM

I am with CALizzz where in the heck is Estonia? lol never heard of it.

pevangel

**Mouche12** · 01-18-2010, 07:36 AM

Estonia is one of the Baltic states (in Northern Europe) and it borders on Russia... agricultural for the most part, but fortunately for its citizens more income lately from tourism - it's not surprising that its government embraces income from on-line gambling!

And what happened to sweet Uncle Sam?

CALizzz · 01-18-2010, 01:13 PM

Uncle Sam Sweet??? Naw- he's ALWAYS been the shady uncle... Ya know the kinda you wouldn't leave your child alone with, he may be nice at first- but ALWAYS has an agenda!!!

XOXOX

**Mouche12** · 01-19-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CALizzz

Uncle Sam Sweet??? Naw- he's ALWAYS been the shady uncle... Ya know the kinda you wouldn't leave your child alone with, he may be nice at first- but ALWAYS has an agenda!!!

XOXOX

Oh dear! -- yeah he was a bit greedy sometimes, wasn't he? - with his "WE want YOU!" slogan!

megan isla · 01-26-2010, 09:56 PM

Estonia is part of the Northern Europe below Finland. Gambling will help raise funds through taxation - for a good cause. I hope US will say yes for gambling also like this one.