Online gambling operators have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more players from around the world choosing to play their favorite casino games online. With so many different types of online casinos available, it can be difficult for players to decide which one is best for them. This is especially true for players who have access to both country-regulated casinos and international ones.
A perfect example of this is the case in Finland. Finns have both country-regulated operators and international ones that accept Finnish players. Finns can also use sources like Kasinohai, for example, to browse casinos that don't require any registration as Finnish law doesn't perceive betting at casino with no specific regulations as illegal.
So players from Finland have a lot of options when it comes to gambling both at land-based and online establishments. However, most Finns opt for international casinos, regardless of their options. The main reason is that local casinos differ in many ways than international ones. With that in mind, let's have a look the difference between Finnish and international online casinos.
The gambling landscape in Finland
The gambling landscape in Finland is highly regulated and monitored by the Finnish government. All forms of gambling are legal, including online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and bingo. However, the only operators that are allowed to provide such services to Finnish players are the ones that are licensed by the Finnish government.
That may not seem bad but Finnish government has appointed three state-owned operators that are allowed to operate in Finland and gambling is heavily taxed. The Finnish government calls it charitable as all proceedings from gambling activities are forwarded to social causes and gambling regulations are implemented to prevent gambling addiction and similar behavior. Basically, Finland has created a regulated gambling monopoly this way.
In other words, none other than “3+1” companies are allowed to provide gambling services in Finland and these operators aren't open for foreign markets or players. If you ask Finns about these regulation they'll say it's just another way for the government to impose additional taxes on their citizens. This makes a lot of sense, especially when you consider the fact that Finland is the world's fifth gambling economy despite Finland having a population of just 5.5 million people.
How Finnish players see gambling laws in their country?
As mentioned before, Finns are not very fond of the gambling regulations in their country. The government-regulated gambling monopoly may seem like a good way to impose strict regulations, rules and policies and control gambling to the fullest, but Finns don't see it that way. Even the European Union has criticized Finland for protecting individual operators in unfair competitions but so far, Finland hasn't decided to change their ways.
Moreover, any gains from gambling activities within Finnish borders are heavily taxed, which is why most Finnish gamblers tend to orient towards off-shore and international casino operators. That and the fact that Finnish government hasn't managed or made any strategies that will block off-shore casinos from operation or accepting Finnish players.
Finnish government set out to create this monopoly in order to combat gambling addiction and problematic behavior, as mentioned before. However, Finns have a lot of gambling problems in the world. The main reason is slots, which can also be found in supermarkets. Even though Finnish government justifies their actions as noble and focused on limiting gambling, their gambling revenue keeps increase year after year.
Why do Finns gamble at international casinos?
Finns gamble at international casinos for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is that they can access a wider range of games than what is available in Finland. International casinos offer a much larger selection of slots, table games, and other gambling options than what is available in Finland.
Moreover, international casinos often have more generous bonuses and promotions than those offered by Finnish casinos. However, one of the main and most important reasons why Finns turn to international casinos is that gains from gambling at off-shore casinos are not taxed.
A good example is Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA)- licensed casinos that Finns frequent as any winnings at those casinos are tax-free due to EMTA being a part of the European Economic Area.
Will gambling laws in Finland change in the future?
As mentioned before, the government of Finland see their government-regulated gambling monopoly as a good thing and justification to use gambling revenue as and investment for charities, arts and other social purposes. So it's very unlikely that Finland will change its gambling regulations any time soon.
Although, there are many controversies regarding these regulation and criticism from both Finns themselves, as well as the EU, no effort has been made on Finland's part to change any of the laws or regulations. Therefore, whether or not things may change in the future depends on many factors and circumstances but anything is possible at this point.
