The popularity of gambling in the Estonian market has fallen

If we compare Tallinn with other European capitals, it looks very modest – its population is only 426 thousand people. However, the city has about 40 casinos. It should be noted that in Estonia there is no clear distinction between casinos and gambling halls; therefore, any room where people can enjoy excitement is called a casino.

The largest gambling facility in the capital is considered to be the classic casino Reval Park. Since Estonia is famous for its developed tourism industry, the staff in hotels and gambling establishments are trained to provide service at a really high level. Finnish or Swedish speech is not uncommon in Tallinn casinos.

According to Estonian laws, the state will vest the exclusive right to organize activities related to gambling.

In Estonia, it is also customary to classify gambling into four types: games of chance (board games and slots), lotteries, sports betting and games requiring special knowledge and a certain level of skill (poker and other cards).

However, the level of Estonians’ involvement in gambling is decreasing. Despite this, the number of cases related to problem gambling has remained unchanged over the past two years.

The Estonian Ministry of Finance has initiated a study of the behavior patterns of participants in gambling operations. In the process, 3 thousand people from 15 to 74 years old were interviewed. The survey took into account the two-year period of participation in gambling.

The Estonian Ministry of Finance has initiated a study of the behavior patterns of participants in gambling operations. In the process, 3 thousand people from 15 to 74 years old were interviewed. The survey took into account the two-year period of participation in gambling.

According to the results of the study, Estonians are much less likely to engage in gambling. The statement is true both in relation to various types of gambling, as well as to forms of participation – visits to land gambling establishments and online sites.

Two years ago, it was found that 66% of respondents took part in one form of gambling. According to relevant information, only 50% of respondents were interested in gambling. The number of visitors to ground-based gambling facilities decreased from 59 to 41% and participation in online casino entertainment – from 40 to 31%.

It should be reminded that the Estonian gambling market was launched in 2010.

At the same time, it was found that the waiver of participation in gambling operations is equally characteristic of women as well as for male audiences. According to the results, the higher the level of user welfare, the higher the percentage of refusal of gambling. Representatives of the least financially secure layers do not want to part with gambling operations.

The most popular gambling game is still the lottery. Participation in lottery operations decreased by 25%, and in bookmakers – by 1%. The online casino segment has slightly more users – by 1%, but poker is played by 1% less than Estonians.

According to the results of the study, 13% of respondents are at risk, that is, they either already exhibit problematic behavior in relation to gambling operations, or are prone to it. It is significant that this indicator increased by 1%.

The most common motivation for participating in gambling was the desire to win money (46%). However, 43% of respondents participate in gambling as entertainment.

In addition to the above mentioned, one of the most interesting news about the Estonian gambling industry was that ex-Minister Urve Palo decided to return to the private sector and head the leadership of one of the gambling establishments.