Discover Helsinki: 5 Things Every Gambler Needs to Know About Finland

Finnish Gambling Laws

Casinos are licensed and regulated by the Ministry of the Interior and the Gambling Department of the National Police Board. The collaborative effort is called the Arpajaishallinto. Through legal regulations, online gambling in Finland is safe and regulated. The top priority is to protect consumers from irresponsible or illegal practices.

Gambling is legal to Finnish residents over the age of 18 with a Finnish bank account. Off-shore casinos aren’t allowed to advertise to the country's residents. However, Finns can still enjoy off-shore casinos. We particularly recommend those holding licenses from the UK Gambling Commission. The Malta Times has a comprehensive article on the gambling industry in Finland.

Finnish Operators Vs. Off-Shore Casinos

There are limited online operators based in Finland. There are also very few land-based casinos in the country. Finland's focus on the online gambling industry makes it unique, especially seeing as countries like the UK have over 100 physical casinos. Those hoping to enjoy in-person gambling will need to do their research on informative sites like Helsinki.com.

Online Operators Based in Finland

Those looking to gamble at online casinos based in Finland are relatively limited in their options. Veikkaus.fi is the only legal operator in the country. The operator hosts top-rated games from providers like NetEnt, Playtech, and Yggdrasil. Those looking for more variety in their gaming options may want to turn to off-shore casinos.

Off-Shore Operators

Off-shore casinos are prohibited from advertising to Finns. However, residents of the country are legally allowed to gamble at off-shore sites. Punters may find more entertaining options and variety with off-shore-based sites. We recommend taking the time to research the licensing and safety measures of off-shore operators. It's essential to research before registering and providing any personal information.

Check for Licensing & Safety

One of the first things gamblers should look at when considering online casinos is the operator's legitimacy. The Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission are sure signs of legitimate and safe operators. Finnish players should have no problem finding the perfect casinos to suit their tastes due to the multitude of online casinos licensed and regulated by these authorities.

Payment Methods

According to the expert Auli Wälkky, most legitimate online casinos allow you to navigate their sites for all the information you need to decide whether or not to register with them extensively. One of the important things to research is the accepted currencies and payment methods. Because Finland uses the Euro, residents should have plenty of options for accepted currencies. It’s also vital to look at the payment methods to see if you’ll need to open an e-wallet or bank transfer account to deposit and withdraw money.

Game Selections & Bonuses

Once you've determined the safety of the operator, you can start the fun part. The most enjoyable part of researching off-shore and Finnish operators is the game selection and bonuses.

Welcome Offers, Bonuses, and Loyalty Programs

With the plethora of online casinos, welcome bonuses can be very competitive and lucrative for gamblers. It's important to note that welcome offers aren't the only benefit to players. Many online casinos have attractive loyalty programs and weekly or monthly bonuses to keep gamblers coming back. Promotions and bonuses can include free spins and deposit bonuses for new and returning players.

Game Selection

When it comes to game selection, we like to look at the providers first. Reputable providers produce games with impressive graphics and animations. You can also rely on them for exciting gameplay and decent RTPs. If you’re a fan of table games, make sure to look for live dealer options at online casinos to replicate in-person experiences. Slot players should check out the RTPs and volatility of the gaming selection to see if they’re a good fit for you.

Conclusion

Finnish punters have plenty of options to find entertaining and attractive online casinos. While there are limited Finnish operators, residents have the advantage of being able to play at plenty of reputable off-shore casinos. Those looking to gamble in person in Finland will have limited options, but it's feasible so long as you're willing to do the research and plan your trip.

As with all gambling, we recommend doing the research. Cover the essential aspects we've discussed in this article before registering with an online casino. Responsible gaming and your safety are the top priority. Once you find a suitable and legal online casino, the fun can begin.