Best sports betting sites in Finland for May 2024

If you are a sports fan and enjoy betting on your favorite teams or events, you might be wondering what are the best options for online betting in Finland. Finland is a country with a rich sports culture and a strong gambling tradition, but also with some peculiarities when it comes to the legal and tax aspects of betting. In this article, we will give you an overview of the most popular sports and leagues for betting in Finland, the types of welcome bonuses and other promotions you can expect from Finnish bookmakers, and the main issues you should be aware of before placing your bets online.

Popular sports and leagues for betting in Finland

Finland is a country with a passion for winter sports, especially ice hockey. Ice hockey is by far the most popular sport for betting in Finland, both in terms of participation and viewership. The Finnish national team, known as the Lions, has won three world championships and two Olympic medals, and is one of the top contenders in every major international tournament. The domestic league, Liiga, is also very popular among Finnish bettors, featuring 15 teams that compete for the Kanada-malja trophy. Some of the most successful and well-known teams in Liiga are HIFK, Tappara, Kärpät, JYP, and Ilves.

Another sport that attracts a lot of attention and bets in Finland is football. Football is the second most popular sport in Finland after ice hockey, both in terms of participation and viewership. The Finnish national team, known as the Eagle-owls, qualified for their first ever European Championship in 2020 (postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and has some talented players such as Teemu Pukki, Tim Sparv, and Lukas Hradecky. The domestic league, Veikkausliiga, is also followed by many Finnish bettors, featuring 12 teams that compete for the championship title. Some of the most successful and well-known teams in Veikkausliiga are HJK Helsinki, KuPS Kuopio, Inter Turku, Honka Espoo, and Ilves Tampere.

Other sports that are popular for betting in Finland include alpine skiing, ski jumping, pesäpallo (a Finnish variant of baseball), basketball, e-sports, and MMA.

Finnish bettors can find a wide range of markets and odds for these sports on both Veikkaus and international bookmakers.

Popular types of welcome bonuses and other bonuses in Finland

One of the main advantages of betting online with international bookmakers is that they offer attractive welcome bonuses and other promotions for new and existing customers. These bonuses can boost your bankroll and enhance your betting experience.

The most common type of welcome bonus offered by international bookmakers is the match deposit bonus. This means that when you make your first deposit on the site, the bookmaker will match it with a certain percentage (usually 100% or 50%) up to a certain amount (usually between €50 and €200). For example, if you deposit €100 on a site that offers a 100% match deposit bonus up to €200, you will get another €100 as bonus money, giving you a total of €200 to bet with.

Another type of welcome bonus offered by some international bookmakers is the free bet bonus. This means that when you make your first bet on the site, the bookmaker will give you a free bet of the same value (usually up to €25 or €50) regardless of the outcome of your bet. For example, if you bet €25 on a site that offers a free bet bonus up to €50, you will get another €25 as a free bet, giving you a total of €50 to bet with.

Other types of bonuses and promotions offered by international bookmakers include reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, accumulator bonuses, enhanced odds, risk-free bets, loyalty programs, and VIP clubs. These bonuses and promotions vary from site to site and from time to time, so it is advisable to check the terms and conditions and the availability of each offer before you claim it.

The most common odds

The odds are the numbers that indicate how much you can win if you place a bet on a certain outcome. The higher the odds, the lower the probability of that outcome happening, and vice versa. There are different types of odds formats that bookmakers use, such as decimal, fractional, American, or Hong Kong. In Finland, the most common odds format is decimal, which shows how much you will get back for every unit you stake. For example, if you bet 10 euros on an outcome with 2.50 odds, you will get back 25 euros (10 x 2.50) if you win.

Decimal odds are easy to understand and compare, but some bettors may prefer other formats depending on their preferences or habits. Most bookmakers in Finland allow you to switch between different odds formats on their websites or apps, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Deposit and withdrawal methods available in Finland

One of the most important aspects of online betting is having a reliable and convenient way to deposit and withdraw money from your account. Fortunately, Finnish bettors have plenty of options when it comes to payment methods, ranging from traditional bank transfers and credit cards to modern e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.

Some of the most popular payment methods among Finnish bettors are:

• Visa/Mastercard: These are the most widely accepted credit cards that allow you to make instant deposits and withdrawals at most bookmakers in Finland. However, some banks may charge fees or block transactions related to gambling, so make sure to check with your bank before using this method.
• Bank transfer: This is a secure and simple way to transfer money directly from your bank account to your betting account. However, it may take longer than other methods, usually between 1 and 5 business days, depending on your bank and the bookmaker.
• Skrill/Neteller: These are two of the most popular e-wallets that allow you to make fast and secure online payments without revealing your personal or financial details. You can fund your e-wallet account with various methods, such as credit cards, bank transfers, or other e-wallets, and then use it to deposit and withdraw money from your betting account. However, some bookmakers may exclude Skrill or Neteller users from claiming certain bonuses or promotions, so make sure to read the terms and conditions before using this method.
• Cryptocurrencies: These are digital currencies that operate independently of any central authority or intermediary. They offer a high level of anonymity, security, and speed when it comes to online transactions. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies among Finnish bettors are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. However, not all bookmakers accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method, and their value may fluctuate significantly over time.

Legal and tax issues related to betting in Finland

The Finnish government does not prohibit or prosecute Finnish bettors who choose to bet online with foreign bookmakers, nor does it block or restrict access to their websites. However, there are some legal and tax issues that you should be aware of before you start betting online in Finland.

The first issue is related to the legality of the foreign bookmakers themselves. While these bookmakers are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities in other jurisdictions, they are not authorized or supervised by the Finnish government or Veikkaus. This means that they are operating in a legal grey area in Finland, and that they are not subject to the same consumer protection and responsible gambling standards as Veikkaus. Therefore, it is important that you choose only reputable and trustworthy bookmakers that have a good reputation among Finnish players and that offer fair and transparent services.

The second issue is related to the taxation of your winnings from online betting. According to the Finnish tax law, all gambling winnings are subject to income tax, regardless of whether they come from Veikkaus or foreign bookmakers. However, there is an exception for winnings from gambling operators that are based in the European Economic Area (EEA) or in countries that have a tax treaty with Finland. In these cases, the winnings are tax-free for Finnish players, as long as they can prove the origin and amount of their winnings. Therefore, it is advisable that you choose bookmakers that are based in the EEA or in countries that have a tax treaty with Finland, such as the UK, Malta, Gibraltar, or Curacao. You should also keep records of your transactions and winnings from online betting, such as receipts, bank statements, screenshots, or emails.

How to choose the most suitable bookmaker

With so many bookmakers available in Finland, it can be hard to decide which one is the best for you. There are several factors that you should consider when choosing a bookmaker, such as:

1. License and reputation: You should only bet with bookmakers that have a valid license from a reputable gambling authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), or the Curacao eGaming (CEG). This ensures that they operate legally and fairly, and that they protect your personal and financial data. You should also check the reputation of the bookmaker by reading online reviews from other bettors or experts.
2. Odds and markets: You should look for bookmakers that offer competitive odds and a wide range of markets for various sports and events. This will give you more opportunities to find value bets and increase your chances of winning.
3. Bonuses and promotions: You should take advantage of the bonuses and promotions that bookmakers offer to new and existing customers. These can include welcome bonuses, free bets, cashback offers, loyalty programs, etc. However, you should always read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming any bonus or promotion, as they may have wagering requirements or other restrictions that limit your winnings or withdrawals.
4. Customer service: You should choose a bookmaker that has a friendly and professional customer service team that can assist you with any issues or queries you may have. You should also check the availability and accessibility of the customer service, such as the working hours, the languages, and the contact methods (phone, email, live chat, etc.).
5. Mobile compatibility: You should choose a bookmaker that has a mobile-friendly website or a dedicated app that allows you to bet on the go from your smartphone or tablet. This will give you more convenience and flexibility when it comes to placing your bets anytime and anywhere.

FAQ

Is online betting legal in Finland?

Yes, online betting is legal in Finland, but only through the state-owned monopoly operator Veikkaus. Veikkaus offers a variety of sports betting options, including live betting, virtual sports, and e-sports.

Can I bet with foreign bookmakers in Finland?

Technically, no. Finnish law prohibits foreign bookmakers from offering their services to Finnish residents. However, many Finnish bettors still use offshore betting sites that accept Finnish players and offer better odds and bonuses than Veikkaus.

How can I deposit and withdraw money from online bookmakers in Finland?

The most common payment methods for online betting in Finland are credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Some offshore bookmakers also accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. You can withdraw your winnings using the same method you used to deposit, or request a check or a wire transfer.

What are the best sports to bet on in Finland?

The most popular sports to bet on in Finland are ice hockey, football, basketball, and winter sports. Ice hockey is the national sport of Finland, and the Finnish national team is one of the best in the world. Football is also very popular, especially during the European Championship and the World Cup. Basketball and winter sports like skiing and biathlon are also popular among Finnish bettors.

How can I find the best bookmakers for Finnish bettors?

The best way to find the best bookmakers for Finnish bettors is to compare different factors like odds, bonuses, markets, customer service, and security. You can also read reviews and ratings from other bettors who have experience with different bookmakers. Alternatively, you can use a comparison site that lists and ranks the best bookmakers for Finnish bettors based on various criteria.