Press Releases
Finland: Prevalence of at-risk gambling has decreased – gambling problems still as common as before
According to a study conducted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the prevalence of “at-risk gambling” which causes individual mild harms has decreased in Finland. The 2019 study indicated that 11 per cent of the Finnish population had engaged in at-risk level gambling in the past 12 months. In the previous study, conducted in 2015, the proportion of at-risk gamblers was 15 per cent. The prevalence of at-risk gambling has decreased in both men and women.
At-risk gambling refers to gambling which causes some individual harms and often precedes the development of problem gambling. According to the 2019 study, three per cent of the Finnish population, meaning approximately 112,000 people, had experienced gambling problems. The proportion of such individuals has remained the same since 2007.
According to the study, 1.4 per cent of Finns – around 52,000 people – suffered in 2019 from probable pathological gambling, which is the most severe form of problematic gambling.
In contrast, the study indicates that gambling without indentified problems has increased. The number of gamblers remained the same between 2015 and 2019, but changes took place in the frequency of gambling: the proportion of Finns who gambled less often than once a month increased, whereas the proportion of those gambling more often than this decreased.
The past-year prevalence of gambling at least one game type among the respondents was 78.4 per cent.
Online gambling has become more common
In 2019, one third of the respondents (36.3 %) had been gambling online. The proportion of online gamblers increased by 12.7 percentage points from 2015.
At the same time, the proportion of those who gambled games offered by foreign operators increased from 3.3 to 5.4 per cent. Almost all gamblers (98.1 %) who had gambled games offered by an operator other than Veikkaus Oy had also gambled Veikkaus Oy’s games.
In 2019, 2.5 per cent of the gamblers accounted for one half of the total gambling expenditure. This means that of the 2,917,000 people living in mainland Finland who participated in gambling in 2019, 72,000 people spent one half of the total expenditure of that year. Veikkaus Oy’s share of the online gambling expenditure was 83.6 per cent, while the other game operators accounted for 16.4 per cent.
“Only a relatively few people gamble games offered by operators other than Veikkaus, when compared to the number of those gambling Veikkaus games. Then again, there is big money involved in foreign online games. Therefore, it is now important to monitor how the closing of the Finnish slot machines due to the coronavirus epidemic affects online gambling”, says THL Senior Researcher Anne Salonen.
One in five Finns has someone with problematic gambling in their immediate social circle
Just over one fifth (21.1 %) of the respondents reported that at least one person in their immediate social circle had demonstrated problematic gambling. This means that around 790,000 persons are affected by someone close to them having a gambling problem, and this proportion has increased.
According to Salonen, the result may also indicate that Finns have become more aware of gambling problems, and the issue is now discussed more openly and boldly than before.
Since 2007, THL has been monitoring gambling, the prevalence of gambling problems, and the attitudes and opinions related to gambling by carrying out a population survey every four years among Finnish people aged from 15 to 74. In 2019, the study was participated in by 3994 Finns. Statistics Finland conducted the interviews over the telephone. The study was carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and commissioned and financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (section 52 of the Lotteries Act).
THL publishes the Finnish Gambling 2019 results in stages; the first step now is to publish the main results concerning gambling and gambling problems. The results concerning the attitudes and opinions related to gambling will be published later this year.
Source: thl.fi
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PlayStar has expanded its online casino offering in New Jersey through a new content partnership with Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division.
This fresh integration now makes a selection of the supplier’s top titles available on PlayStar, adding both recent releases and established games that have performed consistently across regulated US markets.
The launch is also an action of PlayStar’s ongoing strategy to broaden its content portfolio with suppliers that have a proven track record of success in the United States.
New additions to the PlayStar online casino include Greentube’s latest titles, such as Piggy Prizes
: Wand of Riches 2, Firecracker Frenzy: Empress Wealth and Starlight Jackpots: Odds of the Gods. These are complemented by several established games familiar to US players, including Charming Lady’s Boom, Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, and Thunder Cash – Dolphin’s Pearl.
The selected titles newly featured on the platform were ultimately chosen for their suitability to the New Jersey market and for their demonstrated performance with American audiences. Greentube has been active in the US since 2021, supplying localised content to a growing number of regulated jurisdictions.
For PlayStar, the agreement supports its focus on delivering a curated casino experience tailored to local player preferences, while maintaining a broad mix of recognised and newer titles. For Greentube, the launch marks further expansion of its US distribution footprint, this time in the Garden State.
Commenting on the collaboration, Director of Gaming Operations at PlayStar, Duncan Hamilton, said: “Greentube has built a strong reputation in the US for delivering high-quality, engaging titles, and we’re thrilled to bring their games to our players in New Jersey.
“This partnership supports our mission to provide a premium, curated casino experience, and we’re confident that Greentube’s content will be a standout addition to our portfolio.”
Patryk Igras, Sales and Key Account Manager at Greentube, said: “This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Greentube’s ongoing expansion in the US, bringing a diverse portfolio of trusted, high-quality online gaming content to PlayStar’s growing player base.
“Together, we aim to elevate the gaming experience in New Jersey by delivering innovative titles, seamless gameplay, and a strong commitment to responsible entertainment.”
The post PlayStar Expands New Jersey Casino Offering with Greentube Content Integration appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
The HIPTHER Prague Summit is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive events of the year, with an agenda that reflects the fast-evolving landscape of iGaming, fintech, compliance, AI, media, and beyond. With four distinct stages and content spanning two days, the summit promises high-impact insights, cutting-edge knowledge sharing, and actionable strategies for stakeholders across the digital industries.
While only half the agenda has been released so far, what’s already on the table reveals an ambitious and future-forward program. Attendees can expect the remaining schedule—focused on the Expert Panel Stage and HIPTHER Academy—to further raise the bar with industry-leading panels and advanced learning formats.
Stage 1: Compliance & Regulation
This track offers a robust dive into both regional and global regulatory trends, aimed at compliance professionals, legal experts, and decision-makers navigating complex frameworks.
Day 1 will focus on market updates, regulators’ panels, and regional compliance outlooks. Highlights include a Czech Market update, a panel featuring European regulators, and regional overviews from Germany and the Balkans.
Day 2 expands into the global picture, covering enforcement trends, jurisdiction updates from Southern Europe, the USA, and LatAm, and a deep-dive GLI session on certification and trust. The day wraps with an IMGL-led masterclass exploring the intersection of AI, automation, and accountability.
Stage 2: Expert Panels Stage
This track is a powerhouse of innovation-focused dialogue.
Day 1 will feature panels on iGaming, fintech, AI, media, SEO, esports, and business growth. Industry disruptors and thought leaders will gather to unpack the trends driving momentum across verticals.
Day 2 will turn the spotlight to deep-dive panels with operators, suppliers, and advisors sharing battle-tested strategies, future bets, and lessons from scaling globally.
Stage 3: Main Focus Stage
This stage is split into two powerful themes across both days.
Day 1 is the Keynote Arena, with standout talks on branding, visibility, growth, and deal-making. Sessions like “LinkedIn as a Dealflow Engine” and “Branding in the Attention Economy” offer tactical insights for companies looking to sharpen their competitive edge.
Stage 4: HIPTHER Academy
Designed for hands-on learning and skill development, this stage blends education with real-world application.
Day 1 offers masterclasses, workshops, and practical learning sessions, setting the tone for deep engagement.
Day 2 will feature advanced education formats, including certification-oriented sessions, ideal for professionals looking to level up with verified credentials.
Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Now
With limited availability and high interest across the industry, now is the perfect time to register. Be among the first to access cutting-edge insights, connect with top-tier professionals, and help shape the future of digital industries.
Register today for HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 and be part of the conversation that drives the next wave of innovation.
The post HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY
16 guaranteed all-inclusive packages, worth $88,000 in value, to be won in two satellites on Sunday, February 1st and February 8th
Players looking to turn a small buy-in into a luxury poker adventure in paradise will get their chance this February, as ACR Poker is heading back to the stunning shores of Punta Del Este, Uruguay for the Enjoy Poker Series.
Ahead of the huge $700,000 GTD Main Event, players can compete for 16 all-inclusive prize packages, worth $5,500 each, across two Punta del Este Satellites. They run on Sunday, February 1st (eight packages) and Sunday, February 8th (eight packages) at 5:05pm ET online at ACR Poker.
With a total of $88,000 worth of guaranteed value up for grabs, players can buy-in for as little as $95, or qualify for free by ranking on the Beast weekly leaderboard.
- Each $5,500 package includes:
- One $1,650 buy-in to the $700,000 GTD Enjoy Poker Series Main Event
- 10-night hotel stay at the Enjoy Punta del Este Resort & Casino from February 20th to March 2nd
Travel expenses
- A host of epic poker and off-felt experiences
“Competing in and winning the 2024 Enjoy Poker Series Main Event in Uruguay was an unforgettable experience, and the live energy and atmosphere playing at the tables made it even more special,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With these online satellites, everyone gets that same opportunity. This is your chance to turn a small buy-in into an incredible live poker adventure, play against the best, and make memories that last a lifetime.”
Running from February 20th – 28th, the Enjoy Poker Series offers players the very best of live poker, set against the backdrop of Uruguay’s breathtaking Atlantic Coast. Beyond the poker tables, players can enjoy beachfront luxury, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife at the Punta del Este Resort & Casino.
In addition to the Punta del Este Satellites, players can also jump into ACR Poker’s Dual Mystery Bounty Venom tournaments. It features $10 million in guarantees and the last Day 1 is this Sunday, February 1st, with seats available via Venom Fever Satellites, Venom Vault and Poison Path.
For more information on the Punta del Este Satellites, read the ACR Poker Blog or visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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