One Third of Finns Support Payment Blocks Against Illegal Gambling

A survey shows that a third of Finnish players are in support of payment blocks against illegal online casinos accessing Finland's gambling market.

A third of Finnish citizens support payment blocks to curb illegal gambling. The survey by the country's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health reveals that public concern is growing about unlicensed and illegal casinos and the threat they pose to players.

All of it lands in the middle of debates over how to handle offshore sites still pulling in local players and the revelation that there is uneven public awareness regarding the upcoming reforms to the Finnish gambling market.

What the study found

The key finding is that 33% of respondents are in favour of payment blocking measures against illegal operators. Another 27% were neutral, and 40% oppose the changes, as they have concerns over personal freedom, lack of choice in payment methods, and the effectiveness of the restrictions.

The public opinion is divided. Plenty of Finns see and realise the dangers of unregulated gambling to their own safety and the entire gambling market in Finland, but there are also those who remain sceptical about payment blocking as an effective solution.

Why payment blocks?

Payment blocking is a common regulatory tool that stops transactions between unlicensed operators and local players. By cutting off transaction access, the regulars hope to protect players from fraud and unsafe practices.

At the same time, it’s a measure that assists in preserving tax revenue by steering players towards safe and licensed Finnish online casinos. Overall, it helps player protection thanks to the oversight and safeguards implemented by local operators.

Finland's market is currently dominated by Veikkaus, a state-owned monopoly, though that's set to change.

Recently, Finland opened the gambling licence process ahead of the market launch set for 2027, following the decision to end Veikkaus' monopoly. However, offshore sites have kept chipping away at market shares, drawing players with aggressive marketing and better payout rates.

Reform up for debate

The government has been debating reforms to Finland's gambling regulations for years now. And while Veikkaus is still the sole legal operator for now, critics feel this monopoly model is outdated. Especially considering players can access from anywhere in this digital era.

As for the Finns, many supporters argue that payment blocks are necessary to protect vulnerable players from predatory dealings.

On the opposing side, we have other locals saying that tech-savvy gamblers will simply choose to bypass restrictions by accessing casinos with VPNs, cryptocurrencies, and alternative methods.

Those who choose to remain neutral have suggested that a more effective way to go would be education and awareness campaigns.

Is payment blocking the right solution for Finland's gambling market?

The reality is that, as the government prepares to open the market, payment blocking has popped up as a middle-ground solution. It lets regulators restrict access to unlicensed sites, while keeping the status quo for the moment.

The Ministry has been clear that the goal isn't punishing the players. Instead, they are looking to reduce harm and ensure that gambling entertainment takes place in a controlled environment, while still providing enough payment options for local players.

Where Finland lands on the issue

Finland is not the first or only country to explore the option of payment blocking.

Norway has run similar measures and has reported a real drop in traffic to unlicensed sites.
Sweden chose the licensed system route, which opens the market for multiple operators, but under very strict regulations.
Denmark combined both approaches, granting licences to different operators while also blocking unregulated payments. Their goal was greater freedom of choice and legal options without giving up proper protection measures.

All this know-how from neighbouring countries teaches us that payment blocking can be an effective solution if it's enforced properly and the public is on board with it.

What if payment blocks are implemented?

If Finland goes ahead with payment blocking, Veikkaus will benefit from reduced competition, and offshore operators would have more barriers preventing entry.

Players who currently choose international casinos, whether a safe, internationally licensed option or an offshore, unregulated site, would lose access to them. This could add fuel to the fire in terms of the upcoming liberalisation and keep the policy debates very much alive.

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By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: July 1, 2026

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One third of Finns support payment blocks against illegal gambling

What the study found

Why payment blocks?

Reform up for debate

Where Finland lands on the issue