Rahapelitoiminta -etusivun hero EN

Gambling

Gambling is a unique form of lottery that has harmful effects on society. The National Police Board is in charge of the national supervision of lotteries and gambling. As part of these supervisory duties, the National Police Board has the authority to prohibit the provision and marketing of gambling.

 

 

 

 

 

A finger is pointing on a gambling machine's screen.

Rahapelitoiminta -hero-osion jatko EN

In this section, you will find more information on:

  • the difference between the definitions of lottery and gambling
  • the Finnish gambling system
  • how to request a recommended decision from the National Police Board
  • the supervision of gambling and the marketing of gambling services.

Rahapelikulutusta mitataan pelikatteella EN

Gambling consumption is measured by gross gaming revenue

Globally, the value of the gambling market was estimated at around EUR 403 billion in 2019 (H2 Gambling Capital 7/2020). Gambling consumption is measured by gross gaming revenue, calculated by deducting the payouts to players from the value of the games played (gaming sales - payouts = gross gaming revenue).

The legal gambling market in Finland consists of Veikkaus Oy’s gross gaming revenue, which in 2019 amounted to EUR 1,690.7 million. This does not include online gambling outside mainland Finland. 

In 2019, the total consumption of gambling in Finland was estimated to be approximately EUR 430 per adult. By international comparison, Finland’s consumption per capita is the highest in Europe and the 4th highest in the world (H2 Gambling Capital 7/2020).

According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s 2019 population survey, 78.4% of Finns had gambled in the past 12 months. The most popular types of games offered by Veikkaus Oy were weekly Lotto games (63.6%), lotteries (47.2%) and slot machines excluding those in casinos (30.6%). 

Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare population survey 2019