Best Online Casinos in Finland

When it comes to the gambling industry, you’ll find that every region has something different to offer. If you’re based in Finland or simply visiting and looking to learn more about gambling and online casino here, then you’re in the place. 

On this page, we take an in-depth look at the Finnish gambling industry. This includes everything from current legislation, to gambling history and legal gaming options both online and offline. For more information on Finnish regulations, keep reading. 

Find out all there is to know about online casinos and gambling in Finland in the in-depth guide below.

The Finnish gambling regulations are quite restrictive, with the main objective being to push people towards responsible gaming. In an attempt to prevent problem gambling, activities across the country are regulated. All sites and casinos are under the management of governmental institutions.

This has resulted in the industry being under a state-owned monopoly. Any operators who want to enter the Finnish market will need to adhere to the strict limitations from the local government. 

The current legislation on gambling activities in Finland falls under the 2011 Lotteries Act. It covers all betting forms and gambling activities. With this legislation, operators are required to have a government-issued license. At the time, Veikkaus Oy is the only licensed provider for sports betting, instant win games, and national lottery. 

The Finnish Gambling Law reform was approved in December 2021, which introduced a payment blocking scheme feature. 

Entities that also operate legally include RAY for land-based gambling and Fintoto Oy for pari-mutuel horse racing. The three merged into one operation in 2016. The fourth organisation is PAF which controls gaming in the Aland Province. 

In Finland, the government only considers sites operated by PAF and RAY as legal. It is quite easy for Finnish players to enjoy games from foreign operated sites regulated outside Finland. No international sites are currently allowed to set up their sites within the region. But no prosecution follows players who access sites operating from foreign regions. 

According to the legislation, players are not blocked from foreign sites, but these sites cannot advertise to Finnish residents.

This is all expected to change with the new gambling law that came into force in January 2022. The main takeaway of the law is updating the responsible gambling measures with the current system. Plans also included a payment blocking features for all companies in violation of the new Lotteries Act. 

The current gaming monopoly is expected to come to an end as Finland’s new ruling party plans to introduce a multi-license system. The plan here is to open the market up to foreign operators to protect players from unregulated gaming entertainment. It will also bring in more revenue for the region. The plan is to expand the gaming options for online gaming and sports betting. However, Veikkaus will remain in control of lottery gaming and land-based gaming. The new regulatory changes are expected to come into effect in the latest 2026. It could happen as early as the middle of 2025, but it is most likely to come into effect by 2026.

Gambling has been a part of Finnish culture for over a century. Long before casinos were available in the region, games were available to play. The very first slot machines were brought in from Germany in the early 1920s. It was a traditional Palazzo Machine. With the popularity around these machines, many private slot machines businesses popped up in the years to follow. 

In 1933 the Finnish government clamped down on the gambling industry. And it was only possible for charities to gain licensing for gaming activity. With the unhappiness it sparked among private businesses, the first Finnish gambling authority, RAY, was established. RAY got responsibility of licensing and overseeing all gambling activities in the region. 

Then there is the Lotteries Act of 2001 which resulted in a state monopoly on all gambling and poker activities. The main goal here was to create a better and more protected system players can enjoy. 

The Lotteries Act was amended in 2011 with minor changes. There are expected to be more regulatory changes that will open the gambling market to foreign operators. Currently, there are legal online casinos in Finland, but they’re all under state control.

With the regulations out of the way, you might be wondering what games and activities you can enjoy at Finnish gaming sites. Whether you’re new to gambling in Finland or simply looking to explore more options, we’ve put together a quick list of the different gaming types available. 

Online Casinos Gaming

When it comes to Finland’s online casinos you will have ample options. Currently, there are a few online casino sites controlled by the state. These tend to have limited gaming options. There are also foreign operated sites you can play at without fear of repercussions. 

There are online slots which include all types, from classic slots to video slots and progressive jackpot slots. These games come with different themes, bonus features and payout options. Then there are table games which you can enjoy, such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps. These games run through RNG software to provide a safe and fair betting experience. 

You can also take on the live dealer any time. Games are streamed in real time, with a real dealer hosting the game. There are different live table game options and gameshow style live variants. There’s also a range of instant win games which allow for quick gameplay and big win possibilities. 

Land-based Casinos

The land-based gaming scene is under the Finnish monopoly. With Veikkaus in control of brick-and-mortar casinos. And PAF in control of gambling activities in the Aland Islands. There are three land-based casinos: PAF Casino, Casino Tampere and Casino Helsinki. 

These land-based gaming venues provide access to hundreds of slot games, a decent selection of table games and poker variants. You’ll have plenty of games to enjoy when playing at land-based casinos. And then there are alternative entertainment options for when you need a break from the games. 

Sports Betting

Sports betting in Finland is completely legal and currently under government control, with Veikkaus as the only legal provider able to offer sports betting. Bettors can wager on the most popular sports and tournaments. The odds are fair, and there are decent promotions to boost your daily gameplay. Popular sports leagues to bet on include NBA, NFL, UFC, MLB, and NHL. There are seasonal bets and specific sports based bets to enjoy at top rated betting sites. 

Horse Racing

Ontrack and offtrack betting is allowed in Finland. Again, this betting type is currently under government control. Harness racing is the main type of betting, and no thoroughbred races are available. There are massive annual horse races. It’s the second most watched sports after ice hockey. 

Lottery

For Finnish players, there are plenty of exciting betting options, which include the lottery. The lottery like pretty much every other gambling form, falls under the control of Veikkaus. There are different lotteries you can partake in for big possible wins. 

Online Poker

For exciting poker action, you will find there are plenty options online. With Veikkaus the only legal operator offering online poker in Finland. There are also foreign operators currently catering to Finnish players. You can enjoy the best poker games and tournaments from the comfort of your home or on the go. 

Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports is a legal activity you can partake in, in Finland. There is no specific Finnish law covering DFS. It’s sort of a grey area, and once it becomes legal, it’s bound to fall under the Lotteries Act. At current, it’s considered a game of skill rather than chance which provides a loophole for legal gaming activity. There are different fantasy sports you can bet on, including football fantasy leagues, the premier league, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League.

Playing online casino games is very entertaining, but it gets even better when gameplay is accompanied by a bonus. For players gambling at Finnish online casinos, there are ample promotional offers to claim. Here is a quick preview of the exciting promotional offers you can claim: 

Deposit Match Bonus: These are quite popular and require you to make a deposit in order to claim. The bonus is generally a percentage which can be a certain maximum. The amount you receive is determined by the amount you deposit. Wagering requirements apply. 

Free Spins: Another popular offer is the free spins. You can get any number of free spins, depending on the casino. The free spins are generally on preselected games, and there are wagering requirements you need to meet before making any withdrawals.

No Deposit Bonus: Some sites may offer you a no deposit offer to try out the casino. To claim the offer, you need to create a new player account. You get a small amount of credit or free spins. No deposit is needed. These offers come with strict wagering requirements and withdrawal limits. 

Loyalty Bonus: Another popular offer you may find in Online Casinos in Finland is the loyalty bonus. This is a special offer awarded to those players who enjoy regular gameplay at the casino. This can be anything from a match bonus to free spins.

One of the most important things about any online casino is having around the clock customer support and trusted payment methods. You want to know you’re enjoying the best games in a secure environment. And that you can deposit and withdraw using the most trusted payment methods available. 

There are various payment methods available at Finnish online casinos. Here is a quick preview of the most popular payment methods: 

Credit/ Debit Cards

You will find that one of the most trusted options available in most online casinos is Credit and Debit Cards. You can deposit and withdraw securely using well-known payment providers like Visa and MasterCard. 

E-Wallets

If you’re looking for secure payment methods that come with faster deposits and withdrawals, then E-wallets are a great option. Payments are processed quickly, and it’s user-friendly. You can use popular e-wallets like EcoPayz, Neteller, PayPal and Skrill. 

Bank transfer

You can also go back to the trusted deposit and withdrawal options of Wire Transfer or Bank Transfer. This option comes with very little additional fees but take note that withdrawals can take longer than with other payment methods. 

Instant Payment Methods

With companies like Trustly, SOFORT, and Pay N Play, you get to deposit and withdraw quickly. With funds directly transferred to and from your bank account. It’s easy to use, simple to set up and allows for instant gaming.

It’s easy to see that one of the most important factors for the Finnish government regarding the gambling industry is responsible gaming. There is a lot of focus on creating a safe gaming environment for all players to enjoy. 

With this in mind, all casinos have responsible gambling tools, tips, and resources accessible to players. This includes limitation tools to help you set limits on deposits, losses, and game time. You can also opt for self-exclusion or a reality check. 

If you find yourself struggling to remain in control, there are trusted, responsible gambling organisations you can contact. Here are the details for the different safer gambling organisations in Finland: 

Finnish Gambling Association Ry

The Finnish Gambling Association is an independent non-profit organisation. The purpose of the organisation is to share information and promote the discussion of gambling and developing sustainable and responsible gaming practices. The organisation provides tons of expert and up to date information.

Website: rahapeliyhdistys.info

EHYT Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention

Gambling is a big part of daily life in Finland, and while it’s meant for entertainment, it can also result in some developing a gambling problem. The EHYT Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention’s Gambling Harm Prevention Unit takes part in building the European network for NGOs working on gambling harm prevention. It’s referred to as the European Gambling Harm Prevention Network EGHPN.

Website: ehyt.fi

Peluuri

Peluuri is an organisation dedicated to preventing and reducing the social, financial and health related problems caused by gambling. They provide support and counselling services to those who require it. Their hotline is open Monday to Friday from 12-18.

The website also brings more information on the Finnish gaming system as well as advice on debt and gambling issues. 

Telephone Number: +358 800 100 101
Website: peluuri.fi

Gambling Therapy

This is a responsible gambling organisation that has been around for decades. It was started in 1971 under the guidance of Gordon Moody. It provides free practical advice and emotional support. While it started offline, it has branched out to provide those in need with the right assistance. 

You can get support like residential treatment or online help. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, there is a trusted team able to assist. 

Telephone number: –
Website: gamblingtherapy.org