The small Baltic state of Estonia has legalized online Texas Hold’em Poker, amongst other forms of online gambling, meaning that its citizens can now compete on nation-based gambling platforms such as the one developed by Playtech Limited and operated by Olympic Entertainment Group.
The recent liberalization is down in no small part to the current economic recession with the Estonian economy predicted to drop by around 36% while a new tax on gambling operators should help the public purse.
The move brings Estonia into line with many other countries such as Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Poland and The Netherlands while next year should see it open up its market to international gambling operators in order to satisfy European Union requirements.
“We are truly glad of this opportunity to start our partnership with Olympic as the leading casino entertainment provider in Central and Eastern Europe,” stated Mor Weizer, Chief Executive Officer for Playtech.
The state passed its new Gambling Act in October and the legalization and regulation of online Texas Hold em Poker should also help Estonia fight money laundering and corruption.
