Finnish players aren’t waiting for 2026 to enjoy their favorite online casino games. They’re already gambling “abroad” from the comfort of their homes. With Veikkaus holding a monopoly until the upcoming licensing reform, many locals are bypassing restrictions using VPNs to access offshore platforms. But while these alternatives may offer flashier features and bigger bonuses, they also come with hidden risks. Keep on reading to discover some of the disadvantages of offshore gambling and learn about the benefits of the new system!
Finnish players like to gamble “Abroad”
The current system, with Veikkaus providing the one and only platform, is not attractive to local players. This state-run organisation is, until 2026, the only legal way to play online slots or other games. However, this doesn’t mean the Finnish people are just sitting at home and using their platform. Instead, they use VPNs to mess with their location and pretend they’re in a completely different region. This way, they gain access to geoblocked online casino platforms. A study showed that nearly 15% of people who gambled on Veikkaus services also gambled using offshore platforms. There are multiple reasons for offshore gambling, such as:
- A wider selection of games
- More or better bonuses
- Platform usability
Disadvantages of offshore gambling
While offshore casinos might offer a better user experience or a wider variety of games and slots, they also have disadvantages. For example, if you’re using an illegal gambling platform that ends up scamming you, there is nothing you can do. No one can help you either, as gambling on offshore casinos is not allowed in Finland.
Another disadvantage is that games are often not completely honest or fair. When the licensing changes get introduced in 2026, every casino that wants an online license will have to follow strict rules on the type of games, the fairness of the games, and the payment methods that they’ll accept. So when you choose to gamble on local, licensed, online gambling platforms, you know that you’re getting the fairest chance possible to win money!
How will the new system benefit me?
For most people, offshore gambling was the most exciting option with Veikkaus’s previous monopoly. However, with the introduction of the new system, more privately owned gambling organisations will offer online services. These organisations will have to follow the rules of the Finnish government to receive their temporary licences.
This means that any Finnish player who wants to gamle online, can do this legally on different platforms. With the main benefit being that the players will be protected by these new regulations. It means that the platforms are legitimate, and that you actually have a fair chance at winning money at these online casinos.