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How Finland Became an Online Gambling Powerhouse

Published

4 years ago

December 28, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Finland is popular for many reasons. First, it is the happiest country in the world. It has the cleanest air and the best education system. Other attractions include its reindeers, thousands of lakes, and the Santa Claus Village.

On the surface, Finland doesn’t seem ideal for an online gambling revolution. However, the country has grown into a powerhouse over time. It is bustling with opportunities for both online casino fans and operators. Here are a few reasons why the region has been so competitive.

1. Variety of Options

The number of land-based casinos in Finland is limited. While this may seem like an issue, it actually fuels the online market. All of the country’s land-based casinos are managed under a state-owned monopoly. Therefore, the number of operators is limited. It is no surprise that betting fans are turning to online casinos.

Online casino operators don’t have to deal with any harsh restrictions. Therefore, there is a much wider variety of online casinos for Finnish players. International operators love the Finnish market and are happy to invest in it.

The economy is buoyant, and the government doesn’t impose many restrictions, even for casinos that are physically based elsewhere. Many Finnish-based operators have already set up business in the country, hence giving local players more options.

2. Change In Ethos

Finns have had a few concerns over the increased growth of online casinos in their country. While casino providers make profits, many were concerned about the issue of gambling addiction. There weren’t enough regulatory measures to protect such bettors.

However, regulations are now in place to promote responsible gambling. This was always an issue, but it became more obvious during COVID shutdowns. The industry continues to grow, and there are obvious efforts to improve the relationships between betting fans and online casino providers.

3. An Adaptable Market

As the online betting audience continues easing away from desktop to mobile devices, Finland moves with it. In fact, the country has always been ahead of the game in that regard. In the last year, mobile casino playing has increased by ten percent.

Finn bettors remain adaptable in both online and offline markets. Their government is pretty relaxed about online gambling, and the people are always excited to try out new things.

Finland is generally forward-thinking, and most people support the idea that individuals are at liberty to make independent choices. The freedom to adapt as you wish has helped expand the market.

4. Technological Advancement

Finland enjoys exceptional technological advancement. In fact, it is one of the leading European countries in regard to technology. Over 5.5 residents actively engage in some form of online gambling activities.

As a result,, the industry brings in two billion Euros every year. If things keep going as they are, the sum is likely to rise. All profits from state-owned facilities go to projects that profit the society including education and environmental research.

Since players know where profits from the online betting industry are going, they are excited to try out online casinos.

5. Diverse Market

Finnish online gambling sites appeal to diverse markets. Poker games and video slots haven’t been accessible to players for a long time. However, they are now available in almost all online casinos.

Liberal regulations, an open-minded population, and a tech-savvy market have made it possible for online casinos to target wider markets. Being such a progressive country, Finland is expected to continue enjoying growth over the years.

6. Active Encouragement

The Finnish government is actively encouraging its people to explore online casinos. It is known for its famous slang ‘A Finn always wins.’ This basically means that even if you lose, the money goes to projects that benefit the society.

This has helped Finns grow a betting culture that feels like a moral obligation. You will find slot machines everywhere you go; workplaces, cafes, shops, and gas stations. This is unique in European countries.

The government’s involvement in the industry may seem like a bad thing, but it is a double-edged sword that has helped the industry grow.

7. Moving Online

The country launched its first online casino in 1996. Play Among Friends joined the industry in 2007. After licensing, the operators started offering reliable gambling and live casino options.

Being such an affluent country, Finland’s mobile technology is spreading fast. Everything is happening online, and people have embraced online shopping, online learning, and consequently, online shopping. Ownership of modern mobile technologies is increasing, and people have now shifted to mobile gaming.

8. Outside Interest

Although the state prohibits foreign suppliers from marketing within its populace, it allows access to international networks and sites. Therefore, many outsiders are interested in the Finnish online casino market.

In addition, Finland doesn’t have any laws preventing its citizens from playing at foreign sites. The country has a deep culture of personal choice, and it has made things easy for outside investors.

9. The Country’s Love for Gaming

Finland has always loved gaming. It is one of the few countries in the world that have always had a natural love for online games, particularly slots and table games. In 2019, for example, the country’s biggest regulator recorded 13 million euros in revenue.

The gambling regulatory body reported that almost 50 percent of the adult population is actively involved in gambling. This doesn’t include those that subscribe to foreign casinos.

The Job Ahead

Even though Finland is already doing exceptionally well, it still has a challenge to overcome in the future. The biggest challenge is for the country to maintain its grip on the profits and progress. It must continue to support the gambling habits of the population to stay competitive.

Online casino providers have to stay ahead of the latest trends and promotions. They have to give players better bonuses and promotions. Since domestic providers are competing with big international companies, they have to step up. If they can no longer compete, revenue will decline.

Since the government mostly controls the industry, it requires extra effort to keep innovating. There are no indications that the government is going to change this system. However, it is probably going to affect neighboring countries.

ACOS

Player protection focus for ITL at London’s Autumn Coin-op Show (ACOS)

Published

7 hours ago

October 9, 2025

George Miller

player-protection-focus-for-itl-at-london’s-autumn-coin-op-show-(acos)

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Autumn Coin-op Show (ACOS) celebrates its 10th anniversary this month taking place on 21-22 October at ILEC Conference Centre, Earls Court, London. Innovative Technology (ITL) will be showcasing their latest cash validators and age & identity technology on stand 11.

Commenting on ITL’s involvement, Andy Bullock, Senior Business Development Manager said, “ACOS is a great networking opportunity for the coin-operated amusement and entertainment industry and it’s always good to connect with our customers and partners at the show. A key focus this year will be on player protection and we look forward to showing how we can assist operators comply with the new age verification regulations coming into force. Our tech can help prevent underage gambling and manage self-exclusion schemes. MyCheckr performs accurate and anonymous age checks and is ideal when placed at the entrance to 18+ gaming zones FECs and bingo halls to stop underage access. ICU Lite can be fully integrated within a gaming machine to give an automated on-machine AV solution for land-based gambling venues including pub retailers. When our devices are linked via the MyConnect Hub, operators have full control and monitoring, and can remotely respond to alerts on a tablet or mobile for any underage access or play attempts which improves staff efficiency. Using facial recognition technology we can also help implement self-exclusion schemes, supporting player protection and safer gambling.”

Andy concluded, “We will also showcase a selection of note recyclers at the stand which are now widely used in the UK amusement market. We have options with varying capacities depending on your need, including the NV4000 which is ideal for redemption terminals due to its large multi-bill recycling capacity, NV22S for a compact note recycling solution, and the Spectral Payout for mid-range mixed denomination recycling.”

“Congratulations on a decade of ACOS, we look forward to seeing everyone – be sure to come and say hello to the team on stand 11 if you are attending.”

The post Player protection focus for ITL at London’s Autumn Coin-op Show (ACOS) appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Conferences in Europe

Unforgettable Networking in Warsaw: HIPTHER Announces Venues for the European Gaming Congress 2025

Published

8 hours ago

October 9, 2025

George Miller

unforgettable-networking-in-warsaw:-hipther-announces-venues-for-the-european-gaming-congress-2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

HIPTHER is excited to announce the official networking venues for the European Gaming Congress (EGC) 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit, taking place between 29–31 October 2025 in Warsaw.

This year’s networking program is sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB – HIPTHER’s PR Distribution Hub powered by PICANTE Today with a reach of 200,000+ articles and Human-reviewed content trusted by thousands of startups.

The networking agenda combines sophistication, celebration of excellence and Halloween tradition – creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections, business discussions, and unforgettable memories.

First Handshakes & Catch-ups: Welcome Meet (Day 0)

Date: 29 October 2025
Time: 19:00 – 22:00 (local time)
Venue: Charlie Bar (Mokotowska 39, 00-551 Warszawa, Poland)

We kick off the Summit with a cozy pre-conference gathering at Charlie Bar, where attendees are invited to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones in a relaxed, family-like atmosphere. With complimentary drinks (Open Bar), laughter, and good company, the Welcome Meet sets the stage for two inspiring days ahead. Raise your glass to new beginnings and shared adventures!

EiGE Awards Ceremony & Evening Social Gathering Sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB (Day 1)

Date: 30 October 2025
Time: 19:30 – Late night (local time)
Venue: Podwale Bar and Books (Wąski Dunaj 20, 00-256 Warszawa, Poland)

Celebrate excellence in iGaming at the EiGE Awards Ceremony and our exciting Evening Social Gathering, hosted at the iconic Podwale Bar and Books. Nestled in Warsaw’s historic “White House,” this New York–style venue blends elegance and intimacy across two floors: a cozy ground floor with an outdoor patio and an upstairs cigar lounge with plush seating, a fireplace, and balcony views.

Known for its refined British colonial style, Podwale Bar and Books offers an outstanding drinks variety: from Scotch and Japanese whiskies to premium spirits, fine champagnes, wines, and signature cocktails. Cigar lovers will appreciate a curated selection of world-renowned brands alongside the bar’s own handmade exclusives.

This evening promises an atmosphere perfect for networking, celebrating achievements, and connecting with industry peers in one of Warsaw’s most distinctive lounges.

Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, shared his thoughts: “We’re thrilled that PICANTE PR HUB is sponsoring all three evening networking parties at this year’s European Gaming Congress. From the Welcome Meet at Charlie Bar, to the EiGE Awards Ceremony and social gathering at Bar & Books, and closing with our traditional Halloween Party at Steam Bar, we’ve lined up incredible venues. What started as a Halloween tradition in Warsaw has grown into a full series of memorable nights, and we can’t wait to take the networking experience to the next level.”

EGC Closing Party: Halloween Edition

Date: 31 October 2025
Time: 19:30 – 24:00 (local time)
Venue: Steam Bar (Nowogrodzka 23, 00-511 Warszawa, Poland)

The Summit wraps up in true HIPTHER style with the 3rd annual Halloween Closing Party at the beloved Steam Bar. Once again falling on October 31st, this year’s edition invites attendees to embrace the spooky spirit and dress to impress (or scare!) in their best Halloween costumes.

And while costumes are optional, conversations are mandatory! Expect a night of great company, delicious food, flowing drinks, and a lively atmosphere as we close out EGC 2025 with fun, flair, and celebration.

Join us in Warsaw

The European Gaming Congress 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit is not just about premium learning opportunities, panels and discussions – it’s about the people, the stories, and the connections made to last beyond the conference halls. With these three unique venues, attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable networking experience in the heart of Warsaw.

Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your European Gaming Congress Tickets Today!

The post Unforgettable Networking in Warsaw: HIPTHER Announces Venues for the European Gaming Congress 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

BetterGambling

BetterGambling Exclusive Report: 800+ UK Casino Operators Face Closure as 2026 Regulations Trigger Industry Apocalypse

Published

8 hours ago

October 9, 2025

Niji Narayan

bettergambling-exclusive-report:-800+-uk-casino-operators-face-closure-as-2026-regulations-trigger-industry-apocalypse

Reading Time: 2 minutes

BetterGambling, the UK’s independent gambling industry think tank, released its comprehensive Market Intelligence Report, indicating over 800 casino operators will be forced out of the UK market by 2027, the largest industry slump in British gambling history.

The study, authored by BetterGambling’s stable of former casino bosses and regulatory experts, projects a precipitous 30-40% drop in authorised operators as the 2026 regulatory landscape renders continued operation economically non-viable for the low-to-midsized players.

“We are witnessing the greatest scale of change since the Gambling Act 2005. Our analysis proves that this is not just market consolidation – it’s a structural realignment of an industry that today supports 2,262 licensed operators as of March 2024,” said Diana Tunsu, Reviewer at BetterGambling.

Key findings from the BetterGambling report include:

• 680-900 operators anticipated to exit the market by the end of 2027 (30-40% of the current market)

• New casino launches will drop by 60-70% relative to 2024 levels

• White-label operations will see a 45-55% closure rate as a result of shifts in platform economics

• Stand-alone casinos will see 40-50% market consolidation as a result of compliance barriers

• Total first-year compliance investment of £800,000-2.8 million per operator.

The Compliance Investment Reality

BetterGambling’s in-depth analysis of operators reveals the true cash investment required for 2026 compliance. The regulatory fee alone will remove £100 million from the industry annually, and technology infrastructure upgrades will cost individual operators between £500,000 and £2 million.

“The economics are straightforward. Operators with GGY below £3 million per year are faced with a stark choice: spend significantly on compliance or consider strategic options including withdrawing from the market,” explained Diana Tunsu.

For more detailed analysis of the impact on different forms of casinos, see our in-depth UK Casino Reviews section.

White-Label Market Transformation

White-label casino businesses are recognized as being severely tested in this report, with 45-55% predicted to merge or close down. Of the estimated 350-450 current white-label businesses, BetterGambling predicts 200-300 will survive past 2027.

“White-label operators have a complex equation,” said the BetterGambling research team.

“They must navigate through the same compliance for independent operators when handling revenue-sharing arrangements with platform providers.”

The post BetterGambling Exclusive Report: 800+ UK Casino Operators Face Closure as 2026 Regulations Trigger Industry Apocalypse appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.