The Real Pros and Cons of Playing at Foreign Casinos

For many players, foreign casinos hold a special appeal that local operators simply can’t match. While local Baltic casinos have a decent game selection and are praised for their trustworthiness, many Baltic players still look to foreign casinos to fill certain gaps, whether in game selection or bonuses.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages that playing at foreign casinos entails for Baltic players who are keen on exploring gambling options outside of their local market.

The Benefits – What You Gain From Playing Abroad

One of the biggest benefits, which is clearly reflected on an Estonian website called Välismaakasiino.ee, lies in the global competition among casinos. Foreign operators are constantly trying to outdo one another to stay ahead. This results in better loyalty programs, larger tournament prizes, and ongoing promotions — all of which ultimately benefit the player.

In contrast, regulated Baltic markets — whether in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania — can sometimes feel limited, as operators must follow stricter rules on bonuses. In Lithuania, for instance, local casinos can’t offer any bonuses whatsoever (nor other incentives). The Estonian iGaming market is in a better position regarding bonuses, but foreign casinos still outshine them with the sheer volume of rewards available.

Another tangible benefit of foreign casinos is the wider selection of payment options. Baltic casinos usually cover the basics (bank links, cards, and e-wallets), but foreign sites often go much further. Players may find cryptocurrency support, niche e-wallets, or region-specific banking methods that make deposits and withdrawals faster and more flexible. For those who prefer anonymity or alternative payment channels, this can be an important advantage — and one of the main reasons to look beyond the Baltics.

On top of that, foreign casinos undeniably surpass local ones in terms of game selection. Their libraries can often exceed 10,000 titles, whereas Baltic casinos may only offer between 2,000 and 5,000.

The Risks and Downsides – Why Foreign Isn’t Always Better

The biggest drawback of playing at foreign casinos is the issue of regulation. Estonian-licensed operators, for example, are closely monitored by the local Tax and Customs Board, which ensures strict compliance under the Estonian Gambling Act. In fact, this level of regulation has become so well-regarded that it has even attracted attention from the Nordic region — some of the best casinos in Finland, for instance, operate under Estonian licenses.

While some jurisdictions, like Malta or the UK, are highly trustworthy, others (such as Curaçao or Anjouan) are more relaxed and may not provide the same level of player protection. In the worst-case scenario, players may find themselves entirely on their own in disputes, with no official authority to back them up.

Additionally, customer support and dispute resolution can be more complicated with foreign operators. If a problem arises — such as a delayed withdrawal or a blocked account — dealing with customer service in another language can be frustrating. Moreover, many foreign casinos lack proper human support and instead rely on automated chat systems, which can quickly become frustrating for users.

On top of everything else, players need to be cautious about local laws, regulations, and tax-related obligations. In Estonia, winnings from locally licensed casinos are tax-free. However, if you gamble at a foreign casino without an Estonian license, you are required to declare your winnings and pay a 22% income tax.

In Lithuania, withdrawing winnings from a foreign casino into a local bank account can be tricky — or nearly impossible. That means players must be careful about which payment methods they use. In both Latvia and Lithuania, tax considerations must also be kept in mind.

Final Thoughts

If you’re tempted to try foreign casinos, the best approach is to balance excitement with caution. While foreign casinos may look attractive, things are not always as rosy as they seem. Treat them as an occasional adventure — that way, you can enjoy the variety and potential perks without exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.