Betting in Finland has been legal since the 20th century after the legislature approved the Lottery Act, which legalised bingo, slots and other games of chance. Finland has the fifth largest gambling industry in the world, as 74% of the population is involved in at least one form of gambling. The country’s gambling industry generates about €1 billion yearly revenue, which the government uses to finance major organisations.
The government-owned agency, Veikkaus, holds a monopoly over all forms of gambling in its territory. This means that the government owns and operates all land-based betting sites. The government also controls online betting as it refuses to offer offshore companies licences. These companies can accept Finland gamblers but cannot advertise their services in the country. Players must be at least 18 years old to bet in Finland, and the good news is that you don’t need to pay taxes on your winnings.
Betting Activities in Finland
Finland is home to game lovers. The average Finnish actively participates in different forms of gambling, including sports betting, lottery, and casino.
Sports Betting in Finland
Finland may be a tiny country, but sports are deeply rooted in its culture. Since gambling is not restricted, many businesses are gambling avenues like gas stations and supermarkets. The country has a national sport: Pesapallo, a Finnish variation of baseball. Apart from Pesapallo, other popular sports include ice hockey, football, formula 1, and basketball. A standard Finnish sportsbook has these sports markets, and their odds are decimal.
Lottery
Finland’s lottery began in 1940 and became a state-owned and operated entity in 1975. It provides daily entertainment for citizens, and over 20 games are available for play. They include Keno, pan-Scandinavian Viking Lotto, Jokerit Pelit, Veikkausbingo, Scratch Out Instant Games, etc.
Casino
Finland has two land-based casinos offering casino games, including slot, Punto Banco, poker and table games. Offshore online casinos also provide Finnish players with a range of casino games.
The Top Betting Websites in Finland
With betting becoming simpler and available on devices, Finland players have turned towards betting websites to enjoy gambling. These foreign bookmakers offer irresistible national and international games so players can have a whole playing experience.
However, it is advised to investigate the authenticity of betting websites before registering. There are features which differentiate Top-notch betting sites from others. They include:
Security: players should verify the genuineness of any Finnish betting site before registering. This ensures that their privacy and money are protected from fraud. Check if they have a licence from a reputable gaming commission and other legal processes before wagering.
Promotions: choose betting sites that give regular promotions like weekly cashback, free bets, etc
Welcome Bonus: most betting platforms invite players to register with them by offering juicy welcome bonuses. Weigh the options of different welcome bonuses before settling for one (or more).
Odds: a good site should have competitive odds, as the quality of the odds will determine your funds in the long run.
7 Top Betting Websites
Unibet
Unibet has a reputation for offering the best sports and casino games with bonuses and weekly promotions. Its services cover local and international sports, including the Finnish football league, Pesäpallo and the Veikkausliiga. They also offer live streaming, mobile compatibility and in-play wagering.
Betfair
This online bookmaker is another site that caters to the gambling whims of Finnish punters. It has a great sports selection, best-in-class promotions and quality customer service. The payment options are fast, and the apps are compatible with mobile devices. It also has different betting styles, like the Betfair exchange, which allows you to bet with another player instead of the house.
Paddy Power
Paddy Power has the best welcome package if you’re a newbie to online gambling. You will enjoy worldwide streaming of games, a wide variety of odds and regular sports promotions. Their live offer allows you to cash out early if there’s a twist in the game outcome.
NetBet
NetBet has a comprehensive sports betting offer with an exclusive VIP program for casino lovers. The bookmaker does not charge any fee for deposits or withdrawals. However, their other services are just average.
LeoVegas
LeoVegas sportsbook and casino have excellent features that will appeal to most players. Their VIP programme is outstanding, and their sports section covers numerous sports and unique markets. Also, their customer support is commendable, but their live stream section is below par, only accommodating Greyhound racing.
Bet365
Bet365 is a popular site that offers services to many countries, including Finland. One of their peculiarities is creating a language option on their site where Finnish customers can change the language to their native language. They also have other enticing features that Finnish players will love.
22Bet
Besides providing sports betting markets with high odds, 22Bet has a fast cash-out rate, a professional customer support system and attractive bonuses. Their sports section is a favourite among Finnish punters.
