Since online casinos in Iceland are primarily foreign-run sites, players in the country need to do a lot of digging when they want to start their online gambling journey. Also, doing the research will help to avoid terrible casinos with below-par offerings and gambling experiences. Therefore, if you want to play gambling games in Iceland, this guide will give you a walkthrough of all you need to know to kickstart your journey with international online casinos.
Last update: 20 Jan 2025, 12:26
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At one point in history, Iceland was one of the most thriving hubs for gambling. However, in recent years, the country has moved to ban these businesses, and online casinos haven't been able to find a stronghold. Before the ban, the country had gambling legislation to regulate the industry. However, that has changed over the years. With the new development, there are different eras in the gambling history of Iceland. So, let's explore some of the significant moments in Iceland's gambling history.
1926 – Lottery Act: Gambling in Iceland started in 1926 when the government approved its first gambling law. After that, the Lottery Act was added to the legislation, and it was during the casino and gambling boom in Europe. Also, many countries were yet to regulate their gambling industries, making Iceland one of the first countries to do so. However, the act made other gambling activities already happening in the country at the time illegal.
1933 – Amendment of the Lottery Act: In 1933, an update was made to the Lottery Act to allow the University of Iceland to own its Lottery. However, this was made on one condition, 8% of the proceeds must go to the University’s purse. Furthermore, the amendment gave rise to more lotteries, which are only met for charity purposes. As a result, the country began to see the rise of state-owned lotteries, which are available until now.
1994 – Land-Based Casino Slot Machines Approval: The story continued; in 1994, land-based casino slots were approved to operate in the country. However, there is a clause to their operation. All of the proceeds from the establishment must go to charity. These popular slot machine games are still available today and remain legal in the country.
Outright Ban: Finding a locally-run online casino in Iceland operating legally is impossible because the authorities do not issue licenses to casinos. Therefore, you must rely on top online casinos outside the country to play online. Fortunately, there are no laws forbidding people from playing at international casinos.
Even though online casinos don’t have local standing in Iceland, players can play at remote gaming sites. As a result, international online casinos are gaining ground in Iceland, and more people are interested in what they offer. We hope for changes in the online gambling laws so that locally-owned online casinos in Iceland can provide access to casino games, allowing players to enjoy a smooth gambling experience.
There is a bright future for Iceland casino players because we believe there will be changes to accommodate online gambling. We might start seeing Icelandic online casinos pop up soon enough. And if you are one of the online casino players in Iceland, gambling online without restriction might be closer than you think.
There are no locally-licensed online casinos in Iceland. The current legislation has placed an outright ban on the online gambling industry. Therefore, players will need to find casinos outside the country with reputable licenses. International casino gaming is not illegal in Iceland. As a result, Icelandic players can check out offshore casinos that accept players from the country.
Numerous online gambling sites are ready to provide access to players from Iceland. The only problem is that you must research and find suitable casino sites to join. That way, you don’t end up playing at Iceland casino sites that don’t offer a top-notch gambling experience.
So, take your time to explore the gambling markets for the best offshore full-fledged ISK casino sites. And you should know that the online gambling age is 18. As a result, you can’t access any casino, whether it is online or land-based casinos, unless you’re above the legal age.
Since there are no online gambling regulations in Iceland, limitations depend on the casinos you join. This includes deposit and withdrawal limits. Therefore, before you join an online casino, you should check if the casino site has limits on deposits and withdrawals.
Look at the minimum and maximum limits before you proceed. Also, it can be a factor you consider before choosing the casino. The best online casinos have accommodating limits to ensure that all levels of players can participate in playing the various casino games.
There are no online casino licenses in Iceland. Therefore, players who want to play at the best online casino sites must look for casinos with offshore licenses. In this case, you will need to take the time to research casino sites with top-notch online slots, live casino games, online roulette, and other popular casino games.
When picking casinos based on licenses, you should consider reputable casino licensing authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, and Curacao. These gaming control authorities have immense reputations, and the casinos under them provide the best gambling experiences.
One of the reasons why all gambling activities aren’t legal in the country is because of fear of the number of problem gamblers rising. Therefore, any offshore casino that wants to accept Icelandic players must have responsible gambling measures available to safeguard them from becoming problem gamblers.
With access to casinos increasing in the country, the clamour for safe online casino sites has increased, and responsible gambling is now a big deal in Iceland. The best Iceland casinos offer different measures such as time limits, self-exclusion, deposit limits, etc. Some even partner with responsible gambling communities to help players with this problem.
Although there are no localized helplines for problem gamblers in Iceland, there are different associations that can help. One of them is the Nordic Society Foundation for Information about Problem Gambling.
This association covers players in Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and other states in the Nordic region. You can send an email to [email protected] or give them a call at +358407608507, depending on which one is more convenient for you.
Since players can only play on casinos with offshore licenses, they are not subjected to local taxes, except for income taxes and VAT that must be paid on transactions into their local bank account.
You might want to review the country’s tax laws to learn more about taxation and how you can go about it. And unless the gambling operations laws change soon, online gambling in Iceland is technically tax-free.
When you play at the best casino sites in Iceland, you’re guaranteed to enjoy access to many exciting bonuses. You can claim these offers after you complete your registration or make your first deposit, depending on the casino you decide to join. These bonuses are offered to attract new players and retain existing ones.
Therefore, you can use them to improve your gambling journey and increase your chances of getting more gambling winnings. So, as you plan to play the most popular casino games, you can also claim bonuses like no deposit bonuses, reload offers, free spins, matched deposit bonuses, and others.
The best Iceland online casinos have fair wagering requirements. However, you should know the wagering requirement before you claim the offer. You must pass these requirements before your bonus gambling winnings are withdrawable. They include:
Funding your account quickly and withdrawing winnings fast are among the best ways to enjoy your gambling journey. Therefore, before you choose any of the best legal online casinos, you should check out the casino’s payment methods to see the available options. You need to choose convenient methods to ensure you can deposit and withdraw without stress.
If you don’t know the best payment methods at Iceland’s online gambling sites, you should look at the ones we’ve highlighted below for inspiration.
Skrill: One of the best payment methods in Iceland casinos is Skrill. It offers an easy-to-use service, allowing you to deposit and claim the welcome bonus. When you win, you can also withdraw your funds without stress. The best online casino platforms offer Skrill as one of their payment options, and on the Skrill app, you can find exclusive bonuses to claim.
Neteller: Like Skrill, Neteller is another top-notch payment option you should consider whenever you want to play at top online casinos in Iceland. The payment method is straightforward, and the features make it worthwhile. You can also explore exclusive casino offers on the platform.
Bank Transfer: Although it is not as fast as the e-wallet payment options, a bank transfer is one of the most convenient payment methods you can use to play at a casino online. If you pick an online casino Iceland site, you can transfer directly from your bank into your bankroll and do the reverse when you want to cash out your funds.
Credit Cards: If you don’t want to make transfers, you can use your credit cards to gamble online. In this case, it is like when you want to pay for a particular product or service online. You can also use this option to withdraw funds from your casino account, although it might take some time for the transaction to be completed.
| Best by Category | Casino |
|---|---|
Best Iceland casino bonus | N1Bet Casino |
Best game collection for Icelandic players | 888 Casino |
Top Iceland casino for mobile players | Stakes Casino |
Best choice for slot games for Icelandic players | Mr Slots Club |
Best overall Iceland casino | Vulkan Vegas Casino |
When you’ve found an online casino to join, the next thing to do is create an account. Fortunately, the process is not complicated. Once you understand the basics, you’re good to go. Go to the registration page, enter your details, confirm and verify your account, and complete the registration. But, before you can do that, you need to consider some things.
Estimated Time Needed: 00:05
Tools Needed: Account
Supplies Needed: Time, Money
Step 1
You should consider the license the casino holds. Ensure it is from a reputable gambling authority such as the MGA, UKGC, or Curacao. Casinos with one or both licenses will give you an incredible gambling experience, and their reputation is top-notch.
Step 2
It would be best if you also looked at the games available in the casino lobby. It will be impressive if you can find a casino with mobile games and other casino games mixed so that when you want to play on the go, you won’t have any problem.
Step 3
It would be best if you also looked at the bonuses available at the casino. In this case, you are looking for an online casino with enough free spins, deposit bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and other bonus offers to make your gambling experience worthwhile.
Step 4
When you decide to play at ISK casinos, problems can arise, especially if you’re planning to participate in all the gambling activities available. Therefore, you need to consider one with good customer service. Check if the support is available without interruption.
Iceland might not have any locally run online casinos now, but Icelandic players can enjoy online gambling at offshore sites. Several options are available, whether they are looking to play at a mobile casino or desktop site. In that case, there are pros and cons to playing at these casinos in Iceland. Join us to explore them in this section.
1
Casinos without licenses are dangerous and can’t be trusted because they are operating under little to no laws and regulations. Therefore, playing at a licensed casino is essential, and we take that aspect seriously. Also, we review the casino’s reputation before listing them on our website.
2
We evaluate the bonuses available to new players to see what our readers will get once they complete their registration and deposit. Also, we review promotions for active players to see if the casinos reward loyalty and consistency before listing them on our website.
3
We look at the games the casino features to see what options are available to players. From online slots to roulette and other table games. We also consider the other casino games to ensure you get access to the best titles. Also, we look at the providers’ list to see what brands the casino partners with, ensuring that you get the best gambling experience.
4
We take customer service seriously. Issues are bound to arise whenever you’re playing at an online casino. Therefore, it is vital to have access to support without hassle. So, we check the available customer support channels to see how players can get in touch with their team.
| Rank | Name | Found Year | License | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Vulkan Vegas Casino | 2017 | Curacao | 100% up to €1000 + 25 free spins |
#2 | Stakes Casino | 2016 | Curacao | 100% up to €500 + 100 free spins on Book of Dead |
#3 | N1Bet Casino | 2021 | Curacao | 100% up to €100 + 150 free spins |
#4 | 888 Casino | 1997 | UKGC-MGA-GBGA | 100% up to €200 + 25 free spins |
#5 | Wild Fortune | 2020 | Malta Gaming Authority | 100% up to €100 |
Since you will be playing at online casinos from other European countries, you will have access to many casino games. These games come in different versions, allowing you to pick the one you like without issues. Below are some of the most popular online casino games you can play in Iceland.
You can access various casino games depending on the casino you decide to join. The good thing is that these games are accessible on the go, thanks to the availability of mobile casino gaming at most Iceland online casinos. So, you can start playing at the best online casinos without stress whenever and wherever you want.
Iceland casino players are free to play at any offshore casino without persecution, even without any favourable online gambling laws. Therefore, there is a free pass to a wide range of casino games and bonuses. You only need to take the time to research to ensure you find the best casino online.
Although there are no locally-owned Iceland casinos, players from the country can still play at the best online casinos because the European gambling legislation does not allow players to be prosecuted despite gambling in Iceland being prohibited. As a result, if you want to play at online casinos in Iceland, you will enjoy the following benefits.
You will enjoy access to many casino games when you play at a casino online. Online casinos in Iceland feature new games regularly, and they have a catalogue of old games for those that want to enjoy a more nostalgic experience.
When you’re playing at the best online casino, you should not worry about the games because there will be plenty of titles. The only problem will be choosing the right one and kickstarting your gambling experience. Fortunately, most of these casinos offer filtering features to help you find your preferred game.
One thing the best online casino platforms have in common is offering players bonuses. When you register at an online casino Iceland site, you set yourself up to enjoy various offers. You will get a welcome bonus that you can use to kickstart your journey without risking your money, and if you’re lucky, you can win with these welcome bonuses.
Aside from that, you will get more promotional offers as you continue to play at the casino. Since there are many casinos to pick from, the competition has become fierce and online casinos want to retain their loyal players. Therefore, they offer special promotions and exclusive bonuses to keep you around.
You can play at many casinos across European countries as a player from Iceland. In addition, several casinos accept players from Iceland and let them play different casino games and claim bonuses. Therefore, you can kickstart your gambling journey at any of the best online casino platforms.
The experience is worthwhile because most of these casinos have a top-notch reputation in the gambling market, making them a good fit for anyone that wants to begin their gambling journey online. You should take the time to vet the options available before you decide.
Another advantage to playing at an online casino is that you will enjoy playing on the go. Unlike when you want to play at a land-based casino establishment where you have to visit the place before you can start playing, you can always play at your convenience online.
As long as you have access to the internet and a smart device, you can gamble online without issue. Mobile gambling lets you play even if you’re commuting from one place to another, and you have some time to kill. So, you can take advantage of this to try your luck at your favourite online casinos in Iceland.
Before you sign up at any online casino in Iceland, you should know a few things to keep in mind. If you are new to online casinos, we’ve put together a detailed checklist you can use whenever you want to signup for an online casino in Iceland. This checklist will help you make better decisions about picking the right casino.
When signing up at an online casino in Iceland, you should take the safety and security techniques available seriously. In this case, you might want to look at the SSL certificate to see if it is valid and ensure that they have other measures in place. That way, you can rest assured that your details are safe and secure.
Playing at an online casino that offers customer support in Icelandic is impressive because it will make your gambling experience smoother since you can communicate in the language you’re most comfortable with. So, you should add this to your checklist whenever you want to gamble.
You should also ensure that the casino you want to join has Iceland-friendly payment options to make it easy for you to deposit and withdraw funds without stress. You can look at the list of payment methods available before you signup at the casino.
Iceland used to be a country that embraced gambling. However, in recent years, most gambling activities have become illegal. Therefore, players in the country can only participate in online gambling outside the country.
To gamble online, you must find a suitable casino from the several offshore options available. Check out our lists and pick the one that works for you to start playing casino games at an online casino in Iceland.
Online casinos are not legal in Iceland. However, players in the country can gamble online at offshore-licensed casinos.
You don't have to pay taxes directly on online gambling winnings in Iceland because it is not regulated in the country.
Popular payment options include Skrill, bank transfer, Neteller, credit/debit cards, and crypto.
Depending on the site you join, you can play slots, table games, progressive jackpot titles, and a host of casino games.
A few casinos provide multiple language options, which include Icelandic, to help players enjoy their gambling experience.
You can deposit and withdraw using bank transfers at many online casinos. Therefore, it is easy to fund your account when you play in Iceland.
Even though online casinos are illegal in Iceland, you can play at offshore casinos.
