Why do Finns prefer MGA online casinos?

Finland crowned the world's happiest country for the sixth consecutive time, is also among the nations with the highest gambling activity. Ranking fourth in the list of countries with the most gamblers, a significant portion of this activity is directed towards Maltese casinos. But what draws people from the chilly North towards this little Mediterranean island?

For years, the state-owned Veikkaus held a monopoly on gambling in Finland. However, things changed in 2001 when the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) introduced its gambling license. Veikkaus faced numerous competitors and Finnish interest in casinos operated from abroad surged.

Nowadays, casino affiliates play a pivotal role in the popularity of MGA casinos. Numerous Finnish affiliate sites collaborate with secure and reputable Maltese casinos, guiding Finnish players away from non-EU and unreliable operators. A prime example is nettikasinoarvostelut.fi, which lists only reputable, tested casinos to ensure player safety.

Strict regulation ensures player safety

The Malta Gaming Authority is among the world's strictest casino licensing bodies. The MGA enjoys great popularity among Finnish players, representing a trustworthy gaming environment.

MGA-licensed casinos are globally known for their reliability since obtaining the license requires both effort and a substantial sum of money. Maintaining the license involves numerous player safety responsibilities, including anti-money laundering measures, protecting vulnerable players and ensuring casino and game fairness and transparency.

MGA casinos also emphasise responsible gambling practises which is an increasingly important aspect in the gaming world. Finnish players can set various gameplay limits, enhancing the perception of casino trustworthiness and safety.

The credibility of the MGA license is not solely based on its regulations but also its track record of issuing fines and revoking licenses from operators violating the terms. The regulatory body ensures that only compliant, trustworthy and safe operators can offer their services.

With the MGA license, the so-called rogue casinos have disappeared almost entirely from the EU region.

MGA license guarantees tax-free winnings

While Finns appreciate the safety provided by Maltese casinos, tax-free winnings significantly boost the popularity of MGA casinos. Winnings from gambling within the European Economic Area (EEA) are not taxed in Finland, as profits from games provided by the national operator, Veikkaus, are also tax-free income. Due to this equality, winnings obtained from other parts of the EEA are also tax-free

This doesn't apply to casinos outside the area, like the popular Curacao casinos. Hence, it's wiser for Finnish players to stick with MGA-licensed casinos, ensuring total winnings without tax deductions.

Welcome and loyalty bonuses draw players to MGA casinos

Unlike the state-owned monopoly in Finland, MGA-licensed operators offer generous bonuses to players. Various monetary benefits for both new and existing customers attract Finnish players.

Thanks to Malta Gaming Authority's player protection practices, MGA casino terms are fair. MGA mandates casinos to clearly state bonus terms on their site and ensure player-friendly conditions.

Maltese casinos often provide higher return-to-player percentages and better odds for sports betting, making them more profitable choices than the Finnish national operator.

Strong emphasis on Finnish localisation

Lastly, the substantial Finnish-language offerings of MGA casinos greatly contribute to their popularity. This enchanting language, sometimes heard on Maltese streets, prominently features in most Maltese casinos.

Malta's long summers and laid-back lifestyle have attracted a significant Finnish community, evident in the broad array of casinos. With hundreds of MGA-licensed casinos available, many provide full services in Finnish. Sites are translated clearly and Finnish staff ensures that issues can be addressed in the native language.

Finnish-speaking staff also understand the games and bonuses that Finnish players value. MGA casinos cater to Finnish players with targeted slot games and live casinos even offer Finnish Roulette hosted by Finnish croupiers.

How would a Finnish gaming license impact MGA casinos?

Finland has considered transitioning to a licensing system. In practice, casinos wishing to cater to Finnish players would need a Finnish gaming license.

There's no concrete information on the potential effects of this transition as details remain undecided. Speculation abounds, with many drawing parallels to Sweden, which transitioned to a licensing system years ago.

In essence, adopting a licensing system would allow the Finnish government to regulate licensed casinos as they see fit, influencing bonus offerings and associated terms.

An open licensing system in Finland would likely permit casinos to advertise more freely within the country, currently prohibited due to the monopoly. This would increase casino visibility and, consequently, attract more Finnish customers.

However, the impact on casinos largely depends on the strictness of the regulations. If Finland sets too stringent requirements, many current online casinos might refrain from obtaining a Finnish gaming license.

Always play responsibly. Players must be 18 years and above to partake in the asforementioned activities.