Is sports betting in Finland legal?
Finland is one of the Nordic nations bordering European nations like Russia, Norway, and Sweden. Finns, like most Europeans, love betting on sports because of the financial opportunities and excitement they offer. Here, we are going to discuss the legality of gambling in the country, how Finns can bet easily, deposit funds safely, and if you get taxed from your winnings. We will also list out the top betting sites to wager on in Finland.
Can one bet legally on sports in Finland?
Finland is known to operate a monopolized sports gambling industry, either online or offline. Sports betting in the country is at the hands of three unique entities who control different gambling in the country. The issue about legitimate gambling in the country is sometimes fuzzy. For those who wish to gamble on brick and mortar games, RAY is in charge because it covers slot machines traditionally casinos, and table games.
Furthermore, for sports betting like cricket, football, and other lottery games, the Veikkaus (veikkaus.fi) Oy controls it. Sports betting remains legal in Finland, as there is no legal framework to prevent citizens from wagering with international bookies.
The largest sports betting portal in Finland, Urheiluvedonlyönti.net is one source to find all things related to sports betting in Finland. Urheiluvedonlyönti in one of the most popular forms of gambling in Finland with over 60% of all bets made with foreign betting operators.
Payment options and how to deposit money in your account
All nations have their recommended banking options when it comes to online transactions. In Finland, the most popular remains the visa and MasterCard option. This financial option is simple, secure, and very efficient for account holders. The brands are present in most nations, therefore, you won 't have a problem paying. Since offshore sports betting is the way to go, it is advised for Finnish gamblers.
Furthermore, Finnish players can use e-wallets options like PayPal, Payoneer, Neteller, and Skrill. With these wallets, you can make online transactions without requiring any card at these Finnish sports betting sites. Many Finns love it because it is very efficient and safe. Whichever of these payment options you need, you will still need to provide, ID, and utility bills.
For winnings on offshore sports sites, you won 't be taxed, therefore, you will get your full winnings. However, if you win at the state-owned casinos in the country, a percentage is deducted which will be diverted to national projects.
How betting sites in Finland are licensed
Since the three entities operating gambling in the country are state-owned, Finland doesn 't have any betting license system, however, the offshore bookmakers who offer services to Finns have to register with top licensing agencies to offer gambling services.
The top licensing agencies which these foreign-based bookies are Curacao gaming agency, Malta gaming authority, and the UK gambling commission. Before these licensing agencies can issue licenses to a foreign bookie, they must have a valid office address, financial evidence to pay winners anytime, no criminal record, reference from a reputable individual.
Since these top Finland betting sites don 't get their license from Finland, they cannot advertise their products in the country. You can check nordicbet.com for more information on sports betting in Finland.
Best betting sites in Finland
There are numerous sports betting sites in Finland should patronize, they include
888sport
This is a top Finnish bookie which is fully licensed by the UK gambling commission. They are known in Europe as an international bookie which offers great sports betting and enticing offers. You can pay using credit cards, PayPal ecoPayz, op-pohjola, and Nordea.
Bethard
Bethard International bookie offers sport betting services to various European countries which include, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Their major selling point includes
- Big odds
- customer service
- quick payment
- responsible gambling.
You can also get live-streaming options and cash-out features.
Betway Finland
Betway is arguable an excellent online gambling bookmaker which many bookmakers will love. Their services include:
- Live games
- virtual games
- casino games
- safe betting environments.
Their website is user-friendly and available in up to 13 European languages.
Betsson
This bookmaker was launched in Sweden around 1965 and has been providing games for most Nordic countries. With the years of experience they have, Finns can register with them today and enjoy safe betting. Payment is easy with a paysafecard visa, PayPal, and bank transfers.
Sports betting is legal for those patronizing state-run gambling firms, however, the government frowns at gambling with foreign bookies. However, there are no penalties for Finns who bet with foreign bookies.
The article has provided a non-exhaustive review about sports betting in Finland. For more information, don 't hesitate to check out nordicbet.com.
