Finnish Casinos

Online gambling is a favorite pastime of millions of people around the world and Finns are hardly an exception. Finnish people love to partake in a variety of gambling activities as becomes evident by various surveys which indicate Fins can spend up to €10 billion on slot machines, virtual casino gaming, lottery tickets, and sports betting per year. The regulatory bodies that are currently responsible for overseeing gambling operations within Finland are the Ministry of the Interior, and the National Police Board’s Gambling Administration.

• Finland’s Gambling Regulatory Bodies
• Current Stance on Online Gambling
• Taxes on Online Gambling in Finland
• The Future of Online Gambling

A state-controlled monopoly has been at hand in the country ever since World War II. While Finland ranks fifth in the list of largest gambling nations worldwide, its legislation on gambling remains quite rigid and is pretty much the same as it had been for the past seventy years or so. Over the past decade, a number of foreign online gaming operators have attempted to enter the lucrative Finnish gambling market but to no avail. It was only recently that Finnish authorities warmed up to the idea of opening the country’s monopolized market to foreign competition. At the time of writing, Finland’s government is planning to switch to a licensing model by 2026.

Finland’s Gambling Regulatory Bodies

Both landbased and online gambling are currently legal in the Republic of Finland, but the regulations the country has imposed are extremely tight.

In the past, landbased gambling used to be regulated by the so-called RAY, which stands for Raha-automaattiyhdistys, or the Finnish Slot Machine Association. This state-owned entity was established quite a while ago, in 1938, and was responsible for the control of all forms of brick-and-mortar gambling, including slot machines, card games like blackjack and poker, as well as other traditional table games such as roulette. What is more, RAY also held a permission by the Finnish state, allowing it not only to oversee, but also to manufacture landbased slot machines. This regulatory body was widely known for its slots, yet it also regulated all interactive gaming activities and owned the largest official casino in the country, the Grand Casino Helsinki. In addition, RAY secured and granted funding for all health and addiction problems, associated with pathological gambling.

Casino Helsinki is the place where a wide range of poker tournaments are held throughout the year, including the popular Finnish Championship Tournament which attracts some of the best poker players in the country.

Another regulatory entity in Finland was the so-called Veikkaus Oy, which was actually the Finnish National Lottery. This entity was responsible for the control of national lottery tickets, instant win games, and sports betting activities on the territory of the country. Similarly to RAY, Veikkaus Oy was owned by the government of Finland and was managed by the country’s Ministry of Education as strange as it may sound. The profits generated by Veikkaus were shared between the Ministry of Education and several other organizations to spend on different social and cultural areas like youth work, arts, science, and sports.

The third state-owned regulatory entity in Finland was the Fintoto Oy, which was an organization overseeing gambling activities that had to do with horse racing and parimutuel betting. Similarly to Veikkaus Oy, this entity invested the profits it generated into the Finnish state organization Suomen Hippos, which oversees the registration and breeding of horses.

As of January 2017, all three entities merged into one government-owned betting organization, simply called Veikkaus, which now owns Casino Helsinki. Moreover, all forms of gambling are now strictly regulated by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Police Board’s Gambling Administration.

There is a fourth regulatory entity in Finland, called PAF, which stands for “Play among Friends”. This one is responsible for the regulation of all gambling activities that take place within the territory of the Aland Islands. The latter spans over 6,700 islands and is actually a former Finnish province which acquired a status of an autonomous region as of 2009.

The organization was established in 1966 but after the advent of the internet, when online gambling gained popularity, PAF and RAY actually became major competitors. The former started providing online casino betting in 1999, but the enforcement of the 2002 Act on Gambling led to RAY becoming the only officially authorized online gambling provider in mainland Finland. Since PAF offered more appealing prizes and better odds, the majority of mainland Finnish players preferred it over RAY. Members of RAY’s governance went as far as to take the issue to court. However, the Finnish government stepped in and settled the matter by allowing the two organizations to operate concurrently.

Finland’s Current Stance on Online Gambling

As we have already explained earlier, online gambling activities on the territory of Finland are completely legal, but the regulations in the country are so tight that Finnish players who wish to legally bet on the web are left with an extremely limited number of options.

The trouble is Veikkaus and PAF are the only two organizations that are allowed by the Finnish authorities to legally run interactive gambling websites. This has led to the establishment of a gambling monopoly in the country, which is to say it is considered illegal for international gambling providers to offer their services to residents of Finland without having obtained licenses from Finnish authorities first. For a long time, Finland’s government used to be against the idea of granting licenses to international operators despite the pressure it had suffered on behalf of the European Commission.

In 2010, popular gaming developer Playtech managed to sign a contract which enabled it to provide its high-end gambling software solutions and products to an online casino, then run by RAY. Apparently, the government was reluctant to allow its residents to spend their money on any gambling websites which operate outside the country’s borders. Now, Playtech products are offered at Veikkaus’ online casino, where a poker room is also available.

As of 2010, Finland even went as far as to introduce a new piece of legislation which banned offshore gambling providers from advertising and promoting their products and services to Finnish residents. But Finnish authorities did not stop there as foreign gambling operators were also prohibited from using domains ending in the .fi extension. If an international gambling operator is caught red-handed, they risk legal persecution and serious repercussions, such as a two-year jail sentence and a hefty fine.

As established, all of this is set to change thanks to a proposed licensing model that, if all goes well, should be officially introduced when 2026 rolls around. According to the Finnish government, the new legislation surrounding gambling will allow non-Finnish casinos to apply for a license and, if they meet all licensing requirements, offer casino products to gamblers who reside in Finland.

In the meantime, some Finnish players have decided to give offshore casinos a try, seeing as there are no known cases of Finnish players being persecuted by the law for participating in online gambling activities on websites that are based outside the country. The current legislation is applicable to foreign gambling operators and there is no particular law to prevent residents from betting on international gaming websites.

More importantly, there are many foreign operators that are more than willing to accept registrations from Finnish players. On that note, it is also worth mentioning that processing a payment to an online casino is possible for Finnish players since financials transactions to and from online casinos are not monitored by the government. Banking institutions are also not prohibited from processing such payments. The same applies to the IP addresses of foreign gambling sites – they are neither monitored, nor blocked, which allows for an easy access on behalf of Finns.

What further adds to the convenience of Finnish players is the fact that international gambling operators accept a variety of currencies, including the widespread EUR, which helps avoid incurring currency conversion fees. Furthermore, residents of Finland are given the opportunity to choose from a nice range of secure banking methods, which are suitable for processing payments from this particular country. Some of the most popular options include Euteller, Nordea, Zimpler, as well widespread credit and debit cards.

Taxes on Online Gambling in Finland

Finnish players can have their peace of mind knowing that the winnings they generate while betting at online casinos are not subjected to any taxes on behalf of the government. However, this is not the case as far as the gambling operators themselves are concerned. The Finnish laws impose a taxation to both online and landbased casino operators as the latter are required to pay 8.25% of their gross profits in taxes. Meanwhile, the taxation on lotteries is set to 9.5% of their annual gross profits.

The Future of Online Gambling in Finland

Gambling has always been a popular pastime in Finland and Finns are known to have partaken in such activities ever since the 17th century. It was prohibited for a short period of time in 1899 but the ban was lifted less than twenty years after, in 1917. Despite the fact Finland has a long history when it comes to gambling, the government used to be rather reluctant to further the sector’s expansion by opening its market and issuing local licenses to international operators that offer interactive casino games. Market expansion will result in yet another benefit for players, as it would provide them with adequate protection against unreliable foreign gambling websites and potential scams.

The tight regulatory policies of Finland have been addressed by the European Commission on several occasions. Back in 2010, the Commission put pressure on Finland and called for some changes to be made to its rigid gambling regulations so that they can comply with the European Union’s policies on free trading. The Commission requested some changes to be made on what it referred to as Finland’s “protectionist” policy on gambling.

Instead of opening its market to foreign operators, the country responded by adapting its monopolized regulatory system so that it fits the requirements of the EU. The “change” involved merging the three state-run regulatory bodies (RAY, Veikkaus Oy, and Fintoto Oy) into one entity, called Veikkaus.

Despite the fact gambling is a widespread pastime activity in the country, Finns themselves are not stressing over the limited number of local casino providers they are presented with. This may come as a surprise, but according to a survey conducted by one of the popular media outlets in the country as many as 66% of the older participants voted in favor of preserving the state monopoly on online gambling.

Those who would prefer for Finland’s gambling sphere to expand, however, will be pleased to hear that things are about to change, and quite drastically at that. The year 2023 saw the Finnish government disclosing its intentions to end the monopoly and to give offshore gambling operators the opportunity to obtain local licenses. Current plans point toward Finland having an open gambling market by the start of 2026.

Finnish Casinos FAQ

What types of online casino games are legal in Finland?

The legal authorization that permits Veikkaus to offer online games to Finnish gamblers encompasses various forms of gambling. Whether you enjoy slots, table games, or video poker, you will be able to easily find a range of products on offer. Jackpots are another type of game that is popular and legal in Finland. We should also mention that live dealer games are also permitted, although there are currently no table game offers available at Veikkaus. A deal between Veikkaus and Playtech will change this, however, and we should also mention that Paf, the Aland Islands’ own casino operator, does currently offer live dealer games. One restriction that players outside Finland might be surprised to see is that of free bets, in particular how they cannot be offered to casino clients due to problem gambling concerns.

Are there any systems in place that protect Finnish customers from gambling harm?

Yes, and the first line of defense comes in the form of mandatory identity verification that is enforced through the registration process of Veikkaus. As registration can only be achieved through this form of verification, and it also requires players to use their bank account to register, it makes it impossible for individuals who are too young to create a casino account. In Finland, this means that those who are under 18 are not at risk of wagering online. In addition, responsible gambling limits on losses are also enforced, and players cannot opt out of these restrictions. Players are also monitored for signs of problem gambling. As for what clients themselves have access to in terms of tools, each user can choose to limit the money they spend via their Veikkaus settings, enable time restrictions, access their gaming history, or choose to self-exclude. The responsible gambling landscape at Paf is similar, offering enhanced player protection and various safer gambling features.

Players who are alright with wagering on the website of offshore casinos will find that many of them employ similar tools and strategies, with the exception of identity verification being required during registration. Some casinos also offer option features that notify players on how long they have been playing for.

Is it possible for Finnish players to play online games of chance on a smartphone?

Yes, and there are several options to pick from depending on which form of mobile gambling is the most comfortable for you. Veikkaus’ mobile website is both comfortable to use and compatible with various mobile browsers, giving players an easy way to access their favorite casino games. Those who would prefer to download a dedicated application will also be able to enjoy Veikkaus’ games. If your device runs Android, you can head to Google Play and download the Veikkaus app. If you have an iOS device, however, the app is available in the App Store. As for offshore casinos, mobile compatibility can vary from casino to casino. While some do not offer stand-alone applications, pretty much all casinos that target Finnish players do have a mobile-friendly interface. If you reside in the Aland Islands, the state-owned Paf is an online casino that can be accessed through mobile browsers via its web application.

Popular Deposit Methods for Finnish Players

Given its membership with the European Union and the adoption of the Euro as its national currency, Finland is a country where users have no shortage of excellent financial solutions to pick from for online use. A ton of the said payment methods make for excellent deposit solutions for iGaming as well.

This will be excellent news for Finnish casino enthusiasts, as each person has their own preferences when it comes to how they like to manage their bankroll and overall iGaming funds. Bank cards are a staple for many users, with some opting for the safety of debit cards while others prefer to enjoy the freedom that credit cards offer. There are also players who like digital wallets, both because they would rather not use their bank account or bank card information at casinos and because digital wallets can make designating money towards iGaming easier. If you happen to be such a player, there is much freedom of choice to enjoy. Apart from the aforementioned options, prepaid cards are also the favorite option of plenty of casino enthusiasts based in Finland.

Paysafecard

Prepaid financial solutions are many a casino maven’s favorite way to make casino deposits, and Finns are no different. Paysafecard has emerged as a popular option in this corner of the remote gambling market, allowing users to buy prepaid cards ranging from €10 to €100 and use them to top up their casino accounts. The purchase of the said cards can be done online or through shops and kiosks at land-based commercial establishments.

Paysafecard does not require that players create any additional accounts before they purchase a card, nor is a cumbersome verification process required. Once you buy your Paysafecard, you can just use the provided code and transfer the money into your casino account immediately. The downside of this system is that Paysafecards cannot be topped up, which means that players will have to look for a different payment solution when they cash out winnings. On the flip side, Paysafecard does offer a cashout-friendly solution in the form of myPaysafe, a payment system that is basically an e-wallet.

Another potential drawback is the maximum limit per card. As established, the biggest Paysafecard available for purchase costs €100, which means Paysafecard users cannot make a deposit of over €100 with a single card. For players on a budget, this is not an issue and might even be welcome given how it can help one limit their casino spending. For high rollers, however, this could prove to be troublesome enough to render Paysafecard a non-viable deposit option.

Payz

Payz, formerly ecoPayz, is a digital wallet that sees much use in Europe, and Finns have also taken a liking to this payment solution. Convenience and versatility are a core aspect of the Payz user experience, especially when it comes to the practice of gambling online.

Creating an account and going through verification is a swift process, and topping up one’s Payz account is no hassle either. Once done, the user is ready to use their digital wallet at any Payz-friendly Finnish casino. Making a casino deposit is done in an instant, allowing players to start enjoying everything a casino’s lobby has to offer immediately.

If a gambling session ends in success and the player has amassed winnings, they will find that Payz facilitates casino withdrawals as well. To cash out one’s money, all a player needs to do is navigate to the withdrawal page, select Payz, provide the details required, and confirm the transaction as instructed. This versatility is a major perk that many Finnish casino enthusiasts will appreciate.

As for Payz’s setbacks, we are pleased to report that they are few and far between, but some are worth noting, nonetheless. First and foremost, many Payz transactions do result in the user incurring fees, which will be an issue for many players. Some users might also not enjoy the fact that both registering and verifying one’s identity is a prerequisite to using Payz.

Mastercard

Bank cards are many individuals’ default payment solutions for pretty much all transactions conducted online, and Mastercard is one of the core options available to Finns. Mastercard has been around since the 1960s, and over the years, Mastercard-branded cards have proven to be both secure and reliable. Moreover, given its history and reliability, players will find it difficult to locate a casino that does not support Mastecard deposits. This is one of the main reasons Mastercard credit and debit cards have become the go-to payment options for many gambling devotees the world over.

In terms of potential issues, there are a few things that Finnish gamblers should consider. Firstly, do keep in mind that even if a given casino supports Mastercard deposits, there is a fair chance that it will not support Mastercard withdrawals. Next, when cashouts via Mastercard are possible, they will be accompanied by fees. Last but not least, using Mastercard credit cards, in particular, can be quite risky if you are not certain that you can maintain firm control over your casino spending. As credit cards allow you to wager with money you do not own, incurring substantial debts is a realistic risk that needs to be avoided when it comes to credit card casino deposits.

Neteller

If you are interested in using a digital wallet but have not yet found a Finland-friendly one that suits your preferences, Neteller might be worth checking out. This financial solution is preferred by many casino enthusiasts for its user-friendly interface, speedy deposits, and general reliability. There is also a dedicated mobile application, which Finnish users can download from Google Play and the App Store, making Neteller excellent for both iOS users and casino players who use Android devices.

As Neteller is a digital wallet, it does have the caveat of requiring players to create a Neteller account and top it up. However, this also means that Neteller is not a deposit-only payment method for casino enthusiasts. Instead, gambling devotees can use Neteller to withdraw funds from their casino accounts.

Back to drawbacks, players might also encounter issues if they plan on taking advantage of welcome bonuses. Depositing viaNeteller, Skrill, and other digital wallets will often make it impossible for users to claim welcome offers due to casinos being wary of users committing bonus abuse. Thus, it is always recommended to first read the requirements of a given welcome offer before you make your first casino deposit.

EntroPay

Casino devotees who enjoy prepaid financial solutions can consider EntroPay for casino gaming. EntroPay is a secure payment method that allows casino mavens to utilize prepaid virtual Visa cards for the purpose of online payments and iGaming as well. Best of all, it is suitable not only for casino deposits but for cashing out from one’s casino balance as well.

If you would like to avoid the temptation that credit cards can pose when you play games of chance, EntroPay is an excellent option. Both its prepaid nature, and the fact that you can also set up limits, make EntroPay an excellent option for players on a budget who prefer to be on the safer side when they play games of chance online.

Security is another one of EntroPay’s strong suits. Virtual cards eliminate the need to share one’s actual bank card details with casinos. Even better, it is possible to create multiple virtual cards and delete them when they are no longer needed, which is another perk.

What could deter Finnish players from giving EntroPay a chance are its fees. Topping up your EntroPay balance is a service that does come with a fee attached, and the same goes for withdrawals.

Popular Games and Live Dealer Solutions

Despite its current status as a monopoly, the Finnish gambling market does have much to offer to iGaming devotees in terms of variety. Slots reign supreme at casinos that cater to Finnish gamblers, with various products by trusted developers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, and Spinomenal ensuring that Finns have ample choice of games to enjoy. There are also plenty of jackpot titles that give gamblers the chance to play for astonishing prizes. Table games are another category of games that Finnish casino enthusiasts enjoy quite a lot, with blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other classics adorning online lobbies. Furthermore, all the said games are mobile-friendly and suitable for both iOS and Android devices.

Last but certainly not least, we cannot neglect to mention live dealer games. One of Finland’s major casino operators, Veikkaus, does not currently offer live casino games. However, Veikkaus recently announced that this will change thanks to the operator partnering with Playtech, a software supplier known for its excellent live dealer offerings. As for Paf, the company that operates in the Aland autonomous region, its online casino does offer a wide range of fantastic live dealer casino products.

Things could also improve even further if the Finnish Government follows through with its intentions to end the monopoly and gives offshore casinos the opportunity to start targeting a Finnish audience legally.

Video Slots

The darling of casinos the world over, the video slot has successfully enchanted Finnish gambling devotees as well. Premium titles like Starburst serve as an example of what Finland-based gambling devotees can expect to find when they wish to play games of chance on the web. Developed and launched by NetEnt in 2013, Starburst has been around for more than a decade and yet remains more popular than ever. Licensed slots that take inspiration from popular TV shows, movies, and other forms of entertainment are also available, an example being Playtech’s Breaking Bad: Cash Collect & Link.

Titles boasting the popular Megaways mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming are also a part of the lobbies offered to Finnish gamblers, with slots like Pragmatic Play’s Pompeii Megareels Megaways, The Dog House Megaways, and the NetEnt hit Divine Fortune Megaways being just a few of the various slots that are at the disposal of Finnish casino devotees. If you prefer jackpot games, the Finnish online gambling sphere has got you covered with hits like Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, and Sherlock and Moriarty WowPot!, to name a few.

Video Poker

Video poker games were all the rage at land-based casinos in the 1980s, and they remain the favorite flavor of casino gaming of many gambling enthusiasts who have switched to wagering online. Although currently, the range of video poker titles available to Finns is not quite as wide as that of slots, there are nonetheless a plethora of options at the disposal of Finnish gamblers.

Gambling enthusiasts who prefer the classic look of video poker machines have games like Double Joker Poker, Jokeripokeri, Deuces Wild Multihand, Jacks or Better, and Villit Kakkoset to enjoy. Those who would rather try a more novel experience could go with Kuningaspokeri. This title boasts artwork inspired by historical castles and royalty, with a classic interface that complements the theme quite well and results in an immersive gaming experience.

Table Games

Table games effortlessly bring the charm of classic casino gameplay to players’ computers and phone screens in a virtual format. An absolute staple of remote casinos across the globe, these types of products are also the beloved games of many casino enthusiasts who reside in Finland.

The first game that many Finnish players will look for at an online casino is roulette. Simple and easy to understand, roulette is one of the most beginner-friendly table games out there, yet it can be just as thrilling as other classics. Besides roulette, blackjack is also very popular at land-based casinos, and this is yet another game that is also enjoyed by Finnish gamblers who enjoy online gaming. Baccarat, another beloved casino game, also boasts a presence in Finland’s online casino sphere. Other table games that many Finnish gambling devotees are keen on playing when they pay a visit to their casinos of choice include variations of sic bo, craps, and keno.

Live Dealer Games

As established, players who stick to Veikkaus have no way of enjoying live dealer games currently but will be able to play such games in the future, thanks to Playtech. Those eager to enjoy a retail casino-like experience now, however, can try the Paf online casino, which does have a substantial live casino library. Alternatively, they can instead venture out of Finland’s domestic market and pay a visit to an offshore casino.

Software suppliers like Evolution, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play Live have ensured that many offshore casinos have exceptional catalogs full of live dealer games that can entertain Finnish gambling aficionados for hours on end. If you enjoy blackjack, roulette, and other traditional casino games, you will find yourself practically spoiled for choice. Alternatives to these types of games include Dragon Tiger, Andar Bahar, and other games that are popular in Asia. If you prefer more unique gambling experiences, game shows have proven to be amazing options for those looking to enjoy exciting iGaming sessions.

Moreover, regardless of what games you love playing the most, you can count on them boasting an immersive yet comfortable user interface, friendly dealers, and a gameplay experience that is pretty much identical in quality to what you would be able to enjoy at land-based gambling establishments.