By: Fulton LisaPosted on

Finland is a Scandinavian country bordering Sweden , Norway and Germany. It is famous for its medieval architecture , unique museums , northern lights and ski resorts in arctic Lapland . However, this is not all that the country of a thousand lakes , rich wildlife and famous saunas can boast of. Another of its attractions is the developed gaming industry. Finland is one of the few European countries where casinos have survived. With the support of the site with melhores casinos online we wrote an article about casinos in Finland.

A Brief History of Finnish Gambling

Gambling, in particular lotteries, became popular in the 17th century.during the time of the Grand Duchy of Finland.After the war between Sweden and the Russian Empire, most of the Finnish territories went to the Russians, and Catholicism in the country changed to Lutheranism.Due to the new Russian rule, casinos in Finland have ceased to be popular.In 1899, even a law was passed that equated all forms of gambling with crimes.

In December 1917 the country became independent from Russia.At the same time, Parliament changedthe lawon gambling.After that, casinos in Finland began to gain popularity again.In January 1966, the law “On Lotteries” came into force.In 1991, the first independent casino opened in Finland – Casino Helsinki.In 1996, the first online game was launched.

Features of the Finnish gambling business

The main difference between casinos in Finland is that every institution here is a government institution.While other countries pass laws to curb or ban gambling, the Finnish government creates an environment in which its citizens can relax.Income from the gambling business is used to develop healthcare, support charities, social programs, arts, sciences, sports, and youth work.

Casino games in Finland (gambling) are officially allowed, but completely controlled by the state.The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for regulating the gambling business.The monopoly companies in this industry are:

  • Fintoto (horse racing and sweepstakes);
  • Veikkaus Oy (national lottery and sports betting);
  • RAY (Raha-automaattiyhdistys) (slot machines, casinos, table games).

Relatively recently, the country’s Economic Policy Committee made a decision, according to which all three companies will soon be united under a common brand – Veikkaus.

Despite the popularity of casinos, there is an active fight against gambling addiction in Finland. According to statistics, 15% of local residents gamble every week, 78% at least once a year, 37% are addicted to slot machines. Each year, RAY donates approximately $3.3 million to non-profit organizations that fight gambling addiction, for example, the newest casinos you can see on the website novos casinos online.

List of popular casinos in Finland

Gambling establishments are open in 50 cities of the country, including theAland Islandsand Lapland.Helsinki,Turku,Tampere,Espoo,Lahtiare recognized as the most significant tourist gambling centers.

To date, the largest gambling establishment in the country is Grand Casino Helsinki.This casino is located in the heart of the capital of Finland, on Mikonkatu street.It occupies a reconstructed building of the 20th century.area of ​​2500 sq.m, which is reserved for a poker club, three hundred slot machines, 20 gaming tables, two restaurants and three bars.

Small Potti casinos operate in major cities in Finland.As a rule, they are located in shopping centers, do not have real card tables, and the size of the stakes in them does not exceed $22.In addition to them, RAY gaming clubs operate here.The largest of them are located in Turku andJyväskylä.Here, in addition to machines, there are card tables.

In Finland, you can visit the following casinos:

  • Feel Vegas (Iso Omena,Kuopio,Rovaniemi, Sello, Jyväskylä);
  • Pelaamo (Espoo, Forssa, Helsinki);
  • Paf (Mariehamn).

Floating gambling houses are also popular in the country.They are small ferries equipped with tables for poker, blackjack and roulette.These casinos in Finland appeared immediately after the ban on gambling establishments was lifted in Russia.Now they moor in St. Petersburg, but the game starts only in Finnish or neutral waters.

Many tourists upon arrival tothe Savonlinna Islandsin Finland ask wherethe casinohotels are located.However, there are no gambling establishments in this historical area.Only the Spahotel Casino hotel complex and the Finnish restaurant Ravintola Wanha Kasino operate here, the names of which mislead tourists.

Rules for visitors

Access to Finnish casinos is paid.At the same time, only persons over 18 years old can visit the establishments, having previously paid $ 2.2.Local casinos are open daily, seven days a week.At about 12:00, the video slots hall opens, at 14:00 – the table games hall, at 20:30 – the poker hall.Restaurants close at 04:00.Some of them offer special training.

Payment for the game in the Finnish casino is accepted in cash.Bank cards are valid only in bars and restaurants.Chips can be purchased at the box office in exchange for travelers checks or Finnish marks.The minimum deposit amount is $5500.In case of a loss, the establishments reimburse approximately 10-20% of the total amount.It is these conditions that attract numerous tourists to the casinos in Finland.In addition, visitors who have purchased a tour of Finnish gambling establishments receive preferential terms and a special package of services.

There is a strict dress code for casino visitors in Finland.Preference is given to business style.In addition to gambling, in gambling establishments you can relax in a bar or restaurant, watch colorful show programs or live performances of artists.

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