Gambling Age In Finland

Minimum Age: 18

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Finland, the minimum legal age for gambling is 18. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Lotteries Act, enforced to protect minors from addiction and financial risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling operates under a Veikkaus monopoly, with Casino Helsinki and numerous slot venues and betting shops. Venues offer poker and slots, requiring ID checks to enforce the 18-year-old age limit, with proceeds funding public welfare.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is controlled by Veikkaus, offering casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. Offshore sites are illegal, and authorities block them. Players using offshore platforms face legal risks outside Finland’s framework, with Veikkaus ensuring age verification.

Regulation and Oversight: The Ministry of the Interior and National Police Board regulate gambling under the Lotteries Act of 2001. Veikkaus ensures compliance, with standards for fair play, anti-money laundering, and responsible gambling, including self-exclusion programs.

Enforcement and Penalties: Veikkaus faces inspections to ensure age compliance. Violations lead to fines or sanctions. Illegal sites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling may face fines, reinforcing Finland’s socially responsible gambling environment.