ShareWhen you think of which are the gambling nations in the world, you’ll probably have the USA and United Kingdom on your list. Finland might be an unlikely choice, but it is one of the top five gambling nations on the planet.
The past decade has been an important one for the Finnish gambling industry. Betting online has become increasingly popular in the country. It’s estimated that just over 40% of the adult population are gambling every week.
One reason for the popularity of online casinos in Finland is the geography of the country. Facing cold winters and it being dark for such a long period of time makes indoor activities rather popular. Being able to spend time indoors and now have the ability to gamble at online casinos is a very attractive proposition.
There has always been a love of gambling in Finland. At one time the legal age to be able to gamble was only 15. That was raised to 18 in 2011 but still the country just loves to gamble. Their love of gambling is nothing new at all. Traditionally, Finland has always been a country where gambling is popular.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that the first land-based casinos opened in Finland. They proved to be extremely popular so when online sites became available, it was no surprise how successful they have become.
Slot machines have also been a great love of Finns since being introduced in the 1960s. Anyone who visits an online casino will know just how important a role slots play there. With so many on offer, again it’s not a shock that Finnish gamblers can’t get enough of playing at online casinos.
Why has the past decade seen such a growth in the Finnish online casino market? One key reason is the improvements in technology that have taken place. Improved high-speed internet connections have made playing online even more enjoyable.
Not just on their laptops of course but on their mobile devices too. Most people in Finland have unlimited mobile data. Being able to gamble on your smartphones fits in perfectly with this.
It’s not just as the domestic online casinos that Finns love to play. There are plenty of overseas online casinos that Finns can register with. Many have higher bonuses on offer and that’s always going to attract customers.
The overseas site owners are fully aware of how Finns love to gamble online. To capitalise on this fact they offer Finnish language games and support is available in that language too. The sites are licensed by key regulatory bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao and the Estonia Tax and Customs Board. This shows to the potential Finnish customers that they are a trustworthy online casino so registering with them will be safe to do so. As you will read though, their ability to legally operate in Finland is due to change in the future.
Not that Finnish players always need to register with an online casino. The past decade has seen a growth in the number of online casinos where registration isn’t required. Players at these sites can become a member in a matter of moments.
No personal information has to be provided as the online banking service Trustlyis used. This more convenient way to play at online casinos is greatly appreciated by many players. All financial transactions are safe and secure and that’s always important to know.
Even more importantly, any withdrawals swiftly make their way back to their bank account. The fact only one payment method is available does deter some players though.
At present in Finland, there is a state monopoly on gambling. Veikkaus Oy is the operator of authorised gambling in the country. This is a situation that is due to change in the future.
A research project that looked at introducing alternative gambling systems took place last year. This particularly examined online gambling and a new gambling bill is on the way.
It aims to end the current monopoly that exists for online gambling and allow commercial gambling operators in Finland. This is intended to see the current monopoly end in late 2026. The following year will then see the launch of the new gambling market. It’s similar to what has happened in the Canadian province of Ontario which allowed private operators to open there.
If this is passed, it will see great changes in the Finnish gambling industry. Those wanting to operate in the country will be able to apply for licences from early 2026. Software provider licences will be able to be applied for at the beginning of 2027.
The aim of the proposed legislation is to “prevent and reduce gambling disadvantages” as well as improving “the channelling of demand into the legally regulated gambling system.” The new legislation won’t be presented to the Finnish parliament until next February at least… At present, a consultation process is taking place, and this doesn’t conclude until August of this year.
A new supervisory authority will also be introduced to regulate the gambling market. Action will be taken against the black market with online and payment traffic blocked. The hope is this will see more players using the licensed and regulated market.
Gambling online remains incredibly popular in Finland. If the government monopoly does end as looks likely, the choice players have will be greatly expanded. This could lead to even more Finnish players gambling at online casinos.
