Latest News
Finland’s Gambling Laws: Regulations and Legislation
Gambling in Finland is a topic of significant interest due to its unique regulatory environment. With a strong government monopoly since its entry into the European Union, Finland emphasises public safety and economic benefits in its approach to gambling. However, the rise of online platforms has seen an influx of offshore operators, compelling Finland to reassess its stance. This article comprehensively examines the existing Finland gambling regulation.
Government-controlled monopoly in Finland
Finland stands distinct in its approach to gambling, retaining a strong government-controlled monopoly since its accession to the European Union. This system has been established primarily to ensure public safety, prevent gambling-related problems, and channel funds from the industry towards beneficial societal causes.
Given the dominance of this monopoly, one might wonder about the presence of online platforms. Interestingly, all casino Suomi at casino358.com operate within a framework that respects Finland gambling laws, offering Finnish citizens a chance to engage in online gambling activities without flouting the rules.
This monopoly is not just about control but is also an emblem of Finland’s commitment to safeguard its residents from potential harm. It has played a pivotal role in maintaining a regulated market environment, with the primary objective of promoting responsible gambling and preventing addiction.
Current Legal Framework
In the domain of gambling, Finland’s approach is both unique and stable, grounded in decades of tradition and evolving in the face of technological advancements. Below, we will look whether is gambling legal in Finland.
Licensing and Compliance
The heart of Finland’s legal approach to gambling lies in its licensing and compliance measures. All gambling activities, whether land-based or online, require appropriate government-issued licenses. This centralised control is mainly exerted through the state-owned entity, Veikkaus, which holds the exclusive right to offer most gambling services in the country.
Applications for licenses undergo rigorous scrutiny. Applicants must demonstrate their capability to offer gambling services and their commitment to responsible gambling practices. This includes providing tools and resources to combat gambling addiction and promote safe gambling habits. Compliance checks are ongoing, ensuring that licensees uphold the standards set forth at the time of application throughout their license. Violations can lead to hefty fines or the revocation of licenses.
Taxation and Revenue
Taxation is a significant aspect of Finland’s gambling landscape. The revenue generated from gambling activities is a considerable source of funds for the government. In Finland, all gambling winnings over a specific amount are subject to tax. This revenue model ensures that while citizens enjoy gambling activities, the state benefits from the financial influx, redirecting these funds for public welfare.
Furthermore, the operators, including the state-owned Veikkaus, are subject to corporate tax on their profits. The dual taxation model – on both winnings and operator profits – creates a steady flow of revenue into the national coffers. This revenue is earmarked for several welfare projects, including sports, art, and science.
Offshore operators in Finland
In Finland, the government’s monopoly on gambling doesn’t eliminate the presence and operations of offshore gambling platforms. Finnish gamblers can access various services offered by foreign online casinos and betting sites. These offshore operators form a substantial part of the gambling market.
Here’s a list highlighting key aspects of offshore operators in Finland:
- Legal Status. Although not strictly within the Finnish legal framework, they operate in a grey area, not being fully illegal.
- Winnings from these platforms may be subject to tax, and declaring them is the players’ responsibility.
- Finnish authorities do not regulate these operators, which may mean less player protection.
- Market Share. Despite the government’s monopoly, offshore operators have secured a significant market share, giving Finnish players more options.
Overall, while offshore operators offer additional choices for gambling enthusiasts in Finland, they come with challenges and risks, particularly around player protection and taxation.
Programs to promote responsible gambling
Responsible gambling is a critical aspect of ensuring that the fun and excitement of gambling don’t lead to adverse consequences for individuals and society. Several countries, including Finland, have developed programs to ensure gamblers are educated, aware, and have the tools to gamble responsibly.
- Awareness Campaigns. Various governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) conduct campaigns to raise awareness about the potential risks of gambling, targeting both regular gamblers and the general public.
- Self-Exclusion Programs. These allow gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities, either online or offline, for a set period, helping those who recognise they may have a problem to take a break.
- Helplines and Counseling Services. Dedicated helplines offer immediate assistance to those facing gambling-related distress. Counselling services provide a more extended support system for individuals to discuss and address their issues.
- Educational Programs. These are aimed at younger audiences to educate them about the potential risks associated with gambling and to foster responsible attitudes from a young age.
- Limit Setting Tools. Many online platforms now provide tools allowing users to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit or loss limits, giving them more control over their gambling habits.
Integrating these programs into the gambling ecosystem aims to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment, ensuring the fun remains while minimising the potential for harm.
Latest News
ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO LAUNCHES ULTIMATE SIMULATOR USING MOTION TECHNOLOGY TO RECREATE F1 RACING
- The motion simulators, available as a limited run, are built by Memento Exclusives – Aston Martin Aramco’s sim and show car partner
- The newly developed simulator launch commemorates with Fernando Alonso’s recent 400th F1 race at the recent 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix
- Collectors and gamers can visit f1authentics.com to learn more
Aston Martin Aramco F1® Team is bringing its fans closer than ever to the experience of becoming an F1® driver, with the launch of brand-new motion simulators.
Motion simulators are created by an expert team at Memento Exclusives – the memorabilia specialist based in Motorsport Valley – utilising the same processes as F1® teams, to offer an unrivalled racing experience. Designed to recreate the famous race cars seen on the tracks, these Aston Martin Aramco’s Motion Simulators boast high tech systems which aim to immerse the racer, offering them the chance to experience every twist and turn around iconic racing circuits.
Aston Martin Aramco F1® Team and Memento Exclusives have made simulators available to the public in iconic racing green before, but adding movement to the simulation experience is set to take sim racing to new heights. Each motion simulator has been developed in partnership with the race team at Silverstone, and features haptic actuators, a front pivot configuration and haptic rumble feedback. This advancement offers gamers and racers true authenticity, with the motion of a real F1® car accurately emulated from the moment they jump into the cockpit.
Motion simulators are just one of the ways Aston Martin Aramco F1® Team is innovating with technology in recent times. Lance Stroll has been noted for his sim work over the years and revealed ahead of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix that he partially rehabilitated a broken wrist by practicing in a simulator. He famously went on to finish sixth in that race. Spanish legend Fernando Alonso, who recently celebrated his 400th Grand Prix at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, has also lent his voice to emerging technology with Ai.lonso – offering visitors to the Aston Martin Aramco website the ability to hear selected articles read in his voice in multiple languages.
Barry Gough, CEO & Founder of Memento Exclusives (F1 Authentics) commented: “We are delighted to announce the next phase in our partnership with Aston Martin Aramco; these motion simulators take sim racing to the next level, providing gamers and racers with the closest experience to racing an actual F1 car. This launch, commemorating Fernando Alonso’s 400th Grand Prix and recognising Lance Stroll’s history with simulators, is a testament to this partnership and the technological advancements here at Memento Exclusives, offering new ways for fans to own the moment.”
Matt Chapman, Head of Licensing and Merchandise, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team: “This is a really exciting collaboration with our partner Memento Exclusives, bringing the world of Formula One to life for sim racers, collectors and our fans alike. The look and feel of the motion simulator makes it an immersive experience and the addition of movement builds upon the previous simulators we have collaborated on together.”
Aston Martin Motion Simulators are only available in limited numbers and via f1authentics.com or Memento Exclusives’ private sale service.
Asia
Gujarat Titans’ Inaugural “Titans Rising” BGMI Tournament Crowns Champion, Sets Stage for Future Esports Initiatives
Gujarat Titans is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the first-ever “Titans Rising” BGMI tournament, held from October 6th to 27th, 2024. The tournament showcased the incredible talent and passion within the Indian BGMI community, culminating in a thrilling Grand Finale showdown on October 27th. The first ever Titans Rising champions were MOGO Esports.
In a unique gesture that bridged the gap between traditional sports and Esports, the selected players of the 2024 “Titans Rising” tournament will interact and play alongside Gujarat Titans cricket players in a special mixed-team event during the 2025 season. Marquee Esports athletes and gaming content creators like Tanmay “Sc0utOP” Singh, Deepak “Sensei” Negi and many others will be seen collaborating with Gujarat Titans for some exciting content projects in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. This initiative will not only provide a unique and rewarding experience for the winning team but also create exciting crossover content for fans of both cricket and Esports.
“Titans Rising” was designed to provide a platform for aspiring BGMI players across India to compete at the highest level. The tournament structure featured a tiered qualification system, starting with open qualifiers that were accessible to all. The overwhelming interest and reach of the tournament was evident with 2,048 teams registered for the open qualifiers. These teams battled it out with winners advancing through the pre-quarters, quarter-finals, and semi-finals. The pre-quarter finals saw the qualified teams pooled with 32 invited professional teams, raising the stakes and intensity of the competition.
Fans across the country had front-row seats to the action, as the entire tournament was broadcast live on the official Gujarat Titans YouTube channel. This broadcast generated impressive viewership metrics: 3.2 million views and 287,000 watched hours. Over 50 Million impressions and 2.1 Million engagements were recorded across GT’s YouTube and social media platforms during the tournament. These numbers underscore the significant reach and engagement of the tournament, solidifying Gujarat Titans’ prominent presence within the Esports community.
A substantial prize pool of ₹2,200,000 was up for grabs, rewarding the top-performing teams and players for their skill and dedication. Beyond the team prizes, individual awards such as “Most Valuable Titan,” “Man of the Maps,” and “Best IGL” recognized exceptional individual contributions and further fueled the competitive spirit. Apart from these gratifying accolades, the Titans Rising tournament honoured the hustle of young and aspiring e-athletes with awards like “Rising Titans” and “Rising Titans Squad” that aim to empower those who wish to rise in ranks within the world of Esports.
On the success of the first ever Esport tournament organized by any IPL Team, Col. Arvinder Singh, COO-Gujarat Titans said, “”We’re thrilled by the success of Titans Rising and the enthusiastic response of our fans. As the first IPL franchise to enter the Esports arena, Titans Rising created a unique experience that was enjoyed by a new set of fans while providing another avenue of engagement for our existing fan base. Gujarat Titans shall continue to explore new and contemporary avenues to further enhance engagement with our fans and supporters.”
Gujarat Titans is committed to nurturing the growth of the community and creating opportunities for aspiring players. “Titans Rising” is not just a one-off event but a cornerstone of Gujarat Titans’ long-term Esports strategy.
Industry News
Gaming Corps to launch with lotteries in the USA via EQL games deal
In-demand content provider extends reach into largest iGaming market in the world with its full suite of games made available via iLottery aggregation platform
Gaming Corps, a publicly-listed game studio based in Sweden renowned for creating industry-leading games, has made its debut in the US market through a breakthrough agreement with leading lottery provider, EQL Games.
The distribution agreement will see Gaming Corps’ full suite of games made available to EQL Games’ powerful iLottery Aggregation Platform, developed to provide lottery operators across America with direct access to a portfolio of proprietary and third-party games.
Following the integration, EQL Games’ lottery operator partners will be offered proven Slots, Table Games, Multiplier Games, Mine Games and Plinko Games, as well as titles under Gaming Corps’ innovative and trademarked Smash4Cash™ series.
The deal and integration come at a time of growing demand among online lottery operators in the US for non-traditional content, a format that Gaming Corps has excelled in, especially with its Smash4Cash™ games, which have been a hit with players in global markets.
EQL’s aggregation platform has been developed to allow online lottery operators to quickly and easily access content from multiple game studios simultaneously through one integration and one commercial agreement.
Its iLottery Aggregation platform simplifies the process of adding new games to an online lottery brand across regulated states. In addition to the third-party content provided via its aggregator platform, EQL Games has a portfolio of in-house titles.
This includes games produced under licence with Team USA which were rolled out by several state lotteries for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this year, with new titles being planned ahead of the Winter Games in Milan (2026) and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles (2028).
Juha Kauppinen, CEO of Gaming Corps, said: “The USA has always been somewhat of the holy grail for game developers like us, which has been further emphasised as markets in several states have become regulated. The potential in the American market is enormous, and the impact for us is a bit difficult to assess, but we have great hopes for the collaboration with EQL Games, which has an impressive platform towards U.S. lotteries.
“We believe it will have a significantly positive impact on our revenues. I would like to personally take the opportunity to thank EQL Games and Brad Cummings for the collaboration, and we are now working hard to complete the integration so that all our games will be offered to EQL’s customers via their platform.”
Brad Cummings, CEO of EQL Games, added: “Including Gaming Corps as a supplier to the EQL Games iLottery Aggregator is an exciting step forward in our mission to offer unique, high-quality content to state lotteries. Gaming Corps’ expertise in iGaming, along with their unique game portfolio, fits perfectly with our vision of enhancing the lottery experience through dynamic and engaging content.”
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