Top-rated Live gambling sites in Finland

Land-based and live casinos in Finland are legal and are controlled by the state-owned operator Veikkaus. Finland is ranked among the top largest gambling countries in the world today. This is one of the reasons why many offshore live casinos want to enter the market. Offshore live casinos are prohibited, but players from Finland still find a way to gamble on the offshore live casinos, since there is no legal framework that prevents individuals from accessing foreign operators. Read on to learn more about live casinos, and how to find the best live casino in Finland suited to your needs.

Top-rated Live gambling sites in Finland
Nathan Williams
Written byNathan WilliamsWriter
Researched byRajesh NairResearcher
About Finland

About Finland

Finland is located in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Russia, Sweden, Norway and it has the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland across Estonia as a defined point. The population of Finland is 5.5 million, and Helsinki is the capital, as well as the largest city.

Finland was considered an agrarian country until the 1950s, and after WW2, the country started the process of industrialization, which was quite rapid, and developed into an advanced economy, while also building an extensive welfare state based on the Nordic model. As for international relations, Finland joined the UN in 1955 and the official policy of neutrality was adopted.

Finland ranks very highly on numerous metrics of national performances, such as education, economic competitiveness, quality of life, civil liberties, as well as human development. The Fragile States Index ranked Finland as the most stable country in the world in the period of 2011-2016, and it also got the number one ranking on the World Happiness Report for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

About Finland
Live Casinos in Finland

Live Casinos in Finland

Online gambling in Finland was legalized in 1996 when Veikkaus Oy became the first operator to gain a license to offer online gambling services. Live casinos in Finland are controlled by the state-owned operator Veikkaus. Gamblers can choose to play from the huge number of games in several categories: slot games, table games, and video poker. Of course, a player needs to register on a site before being able to play.

Before Veikkaus Oy, there were other state-owned operators controlling the gambling market – RAY, Veikkaus, and Fintoto, but in 2017 they all merged under the name of Veikkaus, and all online gambling activities in Finland continue to be regulated by the state, with the profit made from gambling going back into the country.

Finland is rated among the top 10 largest gambling countries in the world, and that is why many offshore live casinos are eager to enter the market. The Finnish government tried to forbid this with legislation in 2019, which tightened state-controlled monopoly, and prohibited foreign live casino sites from entering the market. However, players from Finland still find a way to place wagers on foreign live casinos, as there is no legal framework that prevents individuals from accessing foreign operators.

Live Casinos in Finland
History of Gambling in Finland

History of Gambling in Finland

The monopoly of the Finnish government in the gambling sector has been in place for more than 70 years, and the market has always been closed to foreign and private operators. The first Slot Machine Association of Finland, called RAY, was established in 1938, then it was the Finnish National Lottery, Veikkaus Oy, and Fintoto Oy, the horse-racing and betting operator.

What is interesting with the gambling market in Finland is the fact that all profits go to public projects, such as arts, sciences, youth programs, and different sports. So, even when a player loses the money, it goes straight back into the nation, in a project that all benefit from. Finland has never seen gambling as a "disease".

As for online gambling, it became legal in 1996, when Vekkaus Oy became the first operator to gain a license for online gambling services. The main gambling website with live casino games was called Play Among Friends (PAF), which started operations in 2007.

In 2017, RAY, Veikkaus, and Fintoto merged into one operator – Veikkaus, still a state-owned operator. Foreign and private operators are forbidden to enter the market, but Finnish players can still access offshore domains as there is no legal framework that forbids them from it.

History of Gambling in Finland
Gambling Nowadays in Finland

Gambling Nowadays in Finland

Finland’s gambling market is state-controlled, and no foreign operators are allowed to enter. Private entities are also forbidden to start gambling operations in the country. The aim of this monopoly is to reduce the health and social harms caused by gambling, as well as to guarantee the legal protection of the customers.

The EU allows this monopoly but states that it will only remain to allow if those goals and reasons for it remain intact. In that sense, the profits made from gambling are used mainly for utilitarian purposes, totally in accordance with the Lotteries Act.

Gambling Nowadays in Finland
Future of Online Casino in Finland

Future of Online Casino in Finland

Nothing indicates that Finland's monopoly on all types of gambling, including online, will end any time soon. On the contrary, the Finnish government has made it clear that there will be no loosening up on the regulation, so it can be expected that the monopoly is there to stay. Their stance even indicates that they would like to have even more control, especially in the online gambling sector.

This monopoly has been in place since the 1930s, so it can be imagined what kind of effort it would take to change the current climate and state of gambling in Finland. As the monopoly has been in place for so long, many experts warn that changing this policy would have a negative impact on the gambling sector.

But, as always, there is room for improvement. Online gambling in Finland is quite widespread, so the government must take advantage of the potential the market offers. The government will keep an eye on developments in the gambling market in neighbors Sweden and Denmark, which have a more liberal approach to gambling in general, before making any changes.

All in all, no massive changes can be expected in Finland’s online gambling sector in the years ahead, the monopoly will probably be preserved, and possibly it will strengthen even more. Some players do not like this and they continue to turn to foreign live and online casinos to play their favorite games.

Future of Online Casino in Finland
Mobile Gaming

Mobile Gaming

Mobile gaming is considered to be the future of online and live casinos in Finland. The mobile penetration in this country is growing rapidly, and it comes as no surprise that Finnish players would prefer to play their favorite games on their mobile device, wherever they may be at the moment.

According to a survey made in 2020, around 95% of Finns used mobile phone devices. This proves that they are ready to grasp the opportunities and advantages that come from mobile gaming, so it can be expected this side of gambling to improve even more.

Mobile Gaming
Regulation Laws and Authorities

Regulation Laws and Authorities

The gambling sector in Finland is regulated by the Lottery Administration Department of the National Police Board. This regulatory body started its operations at the beginning of 2017. The main responsibilities of this authority include reducing the negative effects gambling can have on Finnish players, as well as tracking and preventing any money laundering.

Another aspect that is controlled by the Lottery Administration of the National Police Board is to control gambling-related marketing activities. Violations of the provisions here usually end up with a fine, but there are more severe cases where violators can end up in jail for up to two years.

As for Aland Islands, it is an autonomous area, and gambling activities there are regionally controlled by the government in the region. The gambling regulations are similar to mainland Finland, so it is a monopolized market, with a government-controlled operator called PAF overseeing all gambling activities in the Aland region. PAF started its online gambling operations in 1999.

The profits generated from all types of gambling activities in Finland go back to the community. For example, PAF (which stands for Play Among Friends) has donated over $300 million for different charitable causes since 1966.

Regulation Laws and Authorities
Finnish Players Favorite Live Games

Finnish Players Favorite Live Games

As Finnish people see live casinos and gambling in general as a healthy hobby, it is no wonder that there are plenty of live games that they enjoy. Let’s begin with live poker. This is an extremely attractive game, which requires a lot of skills. Live poker ranks highly among the favorite games of Finns.

Live roulette is a game that every live casino in Finland offers, and it has several types of games. Roulette as a game is one of the oldest games in history, it is quite simple to play, and it can be rewarding, so Finnish gamblers are more than open to trying their luck here. Live blackjack is also a worthy contender in this list, as it is a game that is also quite rewarding and simple to play.

As it is a state-run monopoly, Finnish players do not have much choice of choosing operators, and they choose to gamble at offshore live casinos. There are no laws prohibiting individuals from placing wagers on offshore operators, so players tend to make the most of that situation.

Other Casino Games

Besides the fact that Finnish punters love live casino games, they are also known to be quite fond of some regular online casino games. Slot games are always among the top choices for any player in the world, and Finland is no exception here.

Regular roulette, online poker, and blackjack are among the games that are accessed quite often by Finnish players. Some of these games offer quite appealing jackpots, which are sure to catch any player’s eye.

Finnish Players Favorite Live Games
Live Casino Game Providers

Live Casino Game Providers

Finnish players always look for reputable game providers, as they are synonymous with quality and reliability. The better the live casino is, the better the game providers they partner with, and with that, the quality and quantity of the games will be immense.

There are several leaders among the game providers in the world, and top-class live casinos will make sure to partner with them.

Some of those game providers are:

So, for any new Finnish player out there, make sure to register at a top-notch live casino site, as there is guaranteed to be a wide selection of games to choose from.

Live Casino Game Providers
Best Casino Bonuses in Finland

Best Casino Bonuses in Finland

All live casinos offer different types of bonuses to new and existing players upon depositing money. The general rule that would apply before using these bonuses is to carefully check its terms and conditions, as most of these bonuses have a certain wagering requirement that needs to be fulfilled.

Finnish players do have access to a number of interesting bonus offers. Each live casino has its promotions, but there are certain bonuses and promotions that are common among the live casinos in Finland.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus is available for newly registered players. These bonuses often cover the first deposit the players make. All welcome bonuses have so-called upper limits, this means that if the limit is set to $1,000 then that's the maximum amount of money the player can win.

No Deposit Bonus

No deposit bonuses are the next most popular, as players are not required to deposit any money. It's money that can be won without any risks. They often come in the form of free spins at a certain slot.

Cashback bonus

Lastly, cashback bonuses offer the chance to retrieve some of the cash that was lost. These bonuses are not as common as the welcome bonuses, but players feel more comfortable playing their favorite games if they know they can get some of the cash back.

How to Claim These Bonuses

The most important thing to do before using any bonus, players in Finland need to be aware that there are certain terms and conditions for every bonus and promotion. Welcome bonuses traditionally have the biggest T&C. These bonuses can only be claimed by newly registered players, and can only be used once.

They also require players to make a minimum deposit, which is different from one live casino to another. On the contrary, cashback bonuses are relatively simple to claim, and all the player is required to do is play the chosen game over some time period. This type of bonus comes with limits on the amount the player can receive.

Players also need to be aware that some live casinos may require them to enter certain bonus codes so they can claim the bonuses. All in all, make sure to read all the information connected to the bonus or the promotion before rushing to claim it.

Best Casino Bonuses in Finland
Payment Methods in Finland

Payment Methods in Finland

The Finnish online gambling scene offers a wide range of services and payment methods that players can use. As the players in Finland are very much interested in gambling in live casinos, it comes as no surprise that those sites have implemented the best payment options out there.

The most popular and most used payment options in Finland are:

  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • PayPal
  • Bank transfer
  • Neteller
  • Paysafecard
  • Euteller
  • Skrill
  • Zimpler
  • Trustly

Foreign live casinos that offer their services to Finnish players need to make sure to implement all of the above if they are to have any success in ruling new players to register on their site.

Other Payment Methods in Finland

Cryptocurrencies deserve a mention here, as they are the newest addition to Finnish live gambling and their payment options. Bitcoin is the most popular crypto at the moment, and some of the best live casinos offering their services to Finnish players have accepted it as a valid banking option. There are other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and so on, but Bitcoin is the most popular among those.

Live casinos that have implemented a cryptocurrency offer better minimum and maximum limits for deposits to their players. Besides cryptocurrencies, bank transfers also feature at live casinos as one of the safest payment methods, but they are not popular among players. This is due to the reason that bank transfers are quite slow, and can take up to 14 days to process a payment. Finnish players understandably avoid this payment method.

Payment Methods in Finland
About the author
Nathan Williams
Nathan Williams

Nathan "KiwiKing" Williams brings a touch of Kiwi flair to the global live casino arena. Blending his analytical mind with an infectious passion for the game, he crafts content that guides, informs, and entertains.

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Latest news

Finland’s National Police Board to Closely Monitor the Gambling Advertising
2023-08-04

Finland’s National Police Board to Closely Monitor the Gambling Advertising

As the World Rally Championship (WRC) event and its side events begin in Finland, the National Police Board has been strictly monitoring the gambling market. The Board believes that some gambling service providers outside Finland’s system may attempt to use the event for marketing purposes.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about casinos

Is online gambling legal in Finland?

Yes, online gambling in Finland is legal, but only the state-owned operator Veikkaus can offer online gambling services to Finnish players. Foreign operators are not allowed to enter the market and start any operations.

Is it punishable to play at a foreign live casino in Finland?

No, as there is no legislative framework in Finland that prohibits players to gamble at any offshore live casino. No player needs to worry about authorities coming after them, gambling at a foreign site is completely safe.

Are foreign live casinos safe to play at in Finland?

Before registering to a live casino from outside of Finland, any player needs to make sure to check if that site is licensed by any other regulatory body. If this is the case, then there is no worry, gamblers can feel free to play their games at the site.

Which payment methods are available at Finnish live casinos?

Finnish players can enjoy a wide range of payment methods at the best live casinos. This list includes Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Bank transfer, Neteller, Paysafecard, Euteller, Skrill, and so on.

Is Bitcoin accepted in Finnish live casinos?

Yes, the top-class live casinos have all implemented Bitcoin as a payment option, and players can use this cryptocurrency to make transactions.

Are online gambling winnings taxable in Finland?

The Finnish Income Tax Act says that all gambling winnings are not taxable if those come from Veikkaus, the state-owned operator, or any company in the EEA (European Economic Area).

What is the withdrawal time in Finnish live casinos?

The withdrawal time varies depending on the payment method the player has chosen. E-wallets seem to be the favorite payment option among players because it offers fast payouts. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have emerged as a new payment option and the processing time of the withdrawals is quite fast with this payment option.

Bank transfers, and prepaid cards, on the other hand, are pretty reliable and safe, but the processing time for a withdrawal can take up to 2 weeks, so players tend to avoid this.

Are welcome bonuses popular in Finland?

Yes, welcome bonuses can have a pretty positive impact on any new player looking to register on a live casino site. It is important, however, to check the terms and conditions that come with these bonuses before using them, as welcome bonuses are known to have the largest terms and conditions.

Which games are most popular at live casinos in Finland?

Luckily for Finnish players, there are tons of games to choose from at the live casinos offering their services in the Finnish market. Live poker is probably on top, as it is an attractive and interactive game that requires a lot of skills. Live roulette has several types of it, and it is also popular among players in Finland.

Live blackjack is also among the top choices for any Finnish gambler. This game can be rewarding, but very simple to play, so it is a no-brainer. Live blackjack is on this list.

What is the legal gambling age in Finland?

A player must be 18 to be eligible to gamble, and they have to register on the site before they play. A bank account opened in Finland is also necessary, together with a Finnish security number and a permanent home address.