'Nettikasinotmalta' established in Finland: Specialising in MGA casinos

The Finnish gambling market has long been operated under the monopoly of Veikkaus, but in recent years, Veikkaus's revenue has dropped significantly due to the increasing popularity of online casinos.

Finland doesn’t have its own licensing system, although according to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government program, this might change in the coming years. 

Online casinos targeting Finnish players currently operate under the licenses of other countries – the most well-known of these being the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

Why is the MGA gaming license popular among Finnish players?​

A site focused on the topic, Nettikasinotmalta.com, lists several reasons why a Maltese gaming license is beneficial for Finnish players.

The main reasons are:

• The high-quality localisation and translation of the websites
• Easy login due to the pay-n-play model
• Tax-free winnings

The localisation ensures that customer service is also available in Finnish.

Many of these online casinos also operate on the pay-n-play model, meaning that logging in happens in a way familiar to Finns: using online bank user identifiers. Gaming licenses issued within the European Economic Area guarantee tax-free winnings for Finnish players. These, combined with the reliable and reputable reputation of the MGA gaming license, ensure that Finns often prefer Maltese casinos.

What kind of change is planned in the Orpo's Government Program?

The latest Government Programme, titled "A Strong and Committed Finland – the Government’s Vision," outlines a proposal for reforming the Finnish gambling system. The aim is to introduce competition into the system by no later than the beginning of 2026. This proposed licensing system would encompass both online betting and casino games. 

Currently, companies operating in the digital gambling market outside the existing monopoly are generating profits without contributing licensing fees and taxes to Finland. This reform seeks to address this issue.

Among others, The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has expressed its support for the government's plan and believes it will enhance consumer safety and freedom of choice, as well as promote fairer competition among operators.

How will the changes affect the Finnish gambling experience?

Transitioning to a licensing system is by no means the only significant change in the Finnish gambling market, as gambling legislation has undergone numerous tightening measures in recent years.

Identification became mandatory for slot machines in 2021 and for coupon games in May 2023. Starting from the beginning of 2024, buyers of scratch cards have also had to identify themselves. The set loss limit has also curbed gambling.

However, transitioning to a licensing system is unlikely to affect the experience of online casino players. The change will have a greater impact on service providers, who will henceforth pay taxes and licensing fees to Finland.

Nettikasinotmalta.com focuses on online casinos licensed in Malta

The website is entirely fresh, aiming to provide valuable insights for gambling enthusiasts. With the constant emergence of new online casinos, this platform meticulously lists them, prioritising online casinos licensed in Malta.

Nettikasinotmalta.com maintains stringent criteria for casinos, ensuring they possess appropriate licensing. A gambling license signifies the casino's commitment to stringent security protocols and adherence to regulatory oversight.

As previously stated, the majority of online casinos favoured by Finnish players currently operate under Malta's gambling license. Malta Gaming Authority's accreditation remains synonymous with top-tier gambling experiences.

Conclusion

Finland's gambling legislation has been in a state of transition for several years: Veikkaus's monopoly has been shaken by the growing popularity of online casinos and tightened regulations.

The changes in gambling laws have not significantly affected online casino players – Finnish players still prefer online casinos licensed by the MGA, and a potential transition to a new licensing system is unlikely to disrupt their gaming experience. 

Players must be 18 years + to partake in any betting, gambling or casino activity. Players are urged to seek help if they require it. Players play at their own risk.