Despite strict laws and heavy regulation, online gambling in Finland is very much a possibility and reality. In fact, gambling (in general) in Finland has been legal since 1917. Finland operates in much the same way that its Scandinavian and Baltic neighbours do when it comes to gambling legislation.
However, don’t be disheartened. We’ve got all the Finnish online casinos you’ll ever need to play legally in the country, and we’ll also introduce you to a few offshore sites that you can access and play at without being punished. Join us as we explore Finnish online casinos here today…
If you’re wondering, “is online casino gambling legal in Finland?” we’re delighted to say – yes, it is. However, there are strict regulations that legal gambling sites in Finland must follow. Firstly, any operator must adhere to regulations from the Lotteries Act and the Gambling Department of the National Police Board, known as Arpajaishallinto.
Secondly, the state monopoly (Veikkaus Oy) runs the show. The only exception here is PAF, which runs the rule over gambling on Åland. Officially, Finland shouldn’t be allowed to do what it does, as it is an EU member, and the EU is against monopolies. However, as with many other member states, the EU has failed to act on this.
Finland only permits its citizens to gamble at legit Finnish online casinos and betting sites, and as they are all owned by Veikkaus Oy, most international (even fellow EU) operators are excluded from the market.
As touched on, the only legit Finnish online casinos are those run by the state monopoly, Veikkaus Oy. Most other casinos are blacklisted. However, Finland does not prosecute its players for visiting offshore casinos. Some of the major brands are blocked by Finland’s internet service providers, though.
Poker games are legal in Finland. However, these are also run by the state monopoly, Veikkaus Oy. There are no bona fide Finnish poker sites, with the games instead being offered by the casinos licensed in the country. A few offshore poker rooms have not yet been blacklisted and accept players from Finland.
As expected, Veikkaus Oy (and to a degree, PAF) have a monopoly on sports betting. Horse racing, football and ice hockey are the main sports to bet on in the Baltic state. Finnish players must look to offshore sites if they don’t want to bet with the state monopoly site.
Finnish players join the Euro Jackpot lotto, and they can purchase tickets online. Veikkaus Oy also has its own lottery games. You can purchase tickets for these games online, too.
Bingo games are legal if they are run by PAF or Veikkaus Oy. All other forms of bingo games are illegal. Charitable bingo games are made legal without a license, but the burden is on the operator to prove that they are charitable. Bingo is popular in Finland, and many offshore bingo rooms are not blocked by Finland’s ISPs.
The most trusted online casinos for Finnish players are naturally those run by Veikkaus Oy. However, that doesn’t give Finnish players a lot of choices. Therefore, many of our online gambling reviews for players in Finland focus on offshore sites that are just as well-regulated and secure. These represent some of the safest online casinos in Finland, and we’ll explain what we look for in these sites below:
As touched on, players can play most of the best casino games in Finland. Many major software providers cater to players in the country. Those providers should have RNG-certified games with fair RTP rates, and they should offer a regular array of new online casino games for players in Finland. All games should be mobile-optimised, and you should have the potential to play those games for free. Online casinos that accept Finnish players should have their games audited and checked, and they should include a top selection of slots, live casino, table games, video poker and more.
Many Veikkaus Oy sites are also Microgaming casinos in Finland, and you can find a regular array of the best NetEnt casinos in Finland, too. Alongside those providers, you can also see software from:
Playing at a Finnish online casino with PayPal is sometimes an option, while you are always able to deposit at an online casino in Finland with VISA. Other euro currency-friendly options include:
Finland’s no-account casinos will require you to use your Finnish bank card to deposit. Withdrawing at these sites will see virtually no transaction times, as your Bank ID system will automatically verify your account details, and the lack of bonuses ensures that you won’t get bogged down in wagering requirements.
Cryptocurrency casino gambling is unregulated in Finland. This means that you won’t be punished if you nip off to an offshore crypto casino to bet with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, Litecoin or any other option you prefer. Doing so gives you a touch more anonymity. Cryptocurrency withdrawals are faster than most fiat options unless you play at a no-account casino in Finland.
It is tough to find top promos and bonuses at Veikkaus Oy casinos in Finland. The best bonus online casinos for Finland’s players tend to be those based offshore. These may require Finnish online casino bonus codes, but if so, we’ll detail them in our reviews.
Offshore casinos in Finland can offer you a wealth of bonuses, not least welcome offers, loyalty deals and more. You should always ensure that international casinos catering to Finnish players have fair terms and conditions (such as wagering requirements) on those bonuses and that you won’t need to deposit large sums to claim them.