Brace yourselves, Finnish players! Your favourite instant-payment app just hit a speed bump at some offshore casinos. While Siirto itself isn’t banned, a handful of foreign gaming sites have landed on the National Police Board’s “maksuliikenne-esto” list, meaning banks (and by extension Siirto) must block transfers to them. Here’s what you need to know to keep the fun rolling.
What Is Siirto and Why Do Finns Love It?
Launched by a coalition of Finnish banks in 2017, Siirto is a mobile payment app that lets users send and receive money instantly, 24/7, with just a phone number. It’s free to use, integrates with most major Finnish banks and, even better, settles transactions in real time. That means no waiting days for transfers to clear, making it ideal for topping up casino balances between spins. Its seamless interface, bank-level security and zero fees have made Siirto the go-to choice for quick, hassle-free payments across Finland.
The Mechanics of “Maksuliikenne-Estot”
Contrary to some headlines, Siirto itself isn’t under fire. The Finnish Lotteries Act requires all “maksupalveluntarjoajat” (payment service providers), including bank apps, to block money transfers to offshore gambling operators that the National Police Board has deemed to be marketing or operating illegally in Finland. Each banned operator is listed publicly, and banks must enforce the block by stopping any outgoing Siirto payment to that site.
Which Casinos Are Affected?
In January 2023, the National Police Board published its first maksuliikenne-esto (“payment traffic block”) list under Finland’s Lotteries Act, marking a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to curb unlicensed online gambling. This initial blacklist specifically named several prominent offshore casino brands whose transaction attempts must be intercepted and declined by all Finnish payment service providers, including Siirto and traditional bank transfers.
Among the first wave of blocked operators were Betsson, the well-known Scandinavian gaming giant; Lotto365, a popular lottery-style casino site; NordicBet, famous for its sportsbook and live casino offerings; EuroCasino, which has garnered attention for its extensive slot library; and StarCasino, a brand noted for its user-friendly interface and regular promotions.
By targeting these five brands, regulators sent a clear message to both operators and players that compliance with Finnish licensing requirements is mandatory, and that failure to secure a domestic licence effectively cuts off access to Finnish funds.
These blocks remain in force at least until May 2025, unless the operators successfully appeal and are removed. Notably, Betsson Group’s subsidiary Betsafe was added alongside Betsson but won a court appeal in April 2024 and had its block lifted.
Player Voices: Frustration and Workarounds
“I tried to top up €50 via Siirto at Lotto365 last week, but the payment just failed. It’s annoying, no error message, just ‘transfer not completed.’ I thought Siirto was supposed to be fast!” reports Mikko, a Helsinki-based slots enthusiast.
“I switched to crypto for my deposits,” says Ella, who plays at Slot Hunter. “Bitcoin goes through every time, but I miss the convenience of Siirto.”
On Finnish gambling forums, dozens of players echo these complaints, though many point out the block only applies where operators are blacklisted, so other offshore sites still accept Siirto without issue.
Key Takeaway: Not All Casinos Are Blocked
It’s crucial to understand that Siirto payments are not universally banned at offshore casinos, only at those on the Police Board’s list. If you stick to platforms not under prohibition, Siirto remains a slick, instantaneous deposit method. Always verify your preferred site against the latest maksuliikenne-esto list to avoid surprises.
Siirto Alternatives: Crypto Steps In
For players seeking a reliable fallback, cryptocurrencies offer a censorship-resistant option:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
– Globally accepted at many offshore casinos.
– Transaction times range from 10 to 60 minutes. - Ethereum (ETH)
– Faster confirmation times (around 15 seconds) and growing casino support. - Stablecoins (USDT, USDC)
– Pegged to the dollar, stablecoins avoid volatility and settle quickly.
Using crypto bypasses bank-driven blocks entirely, though it comes with a learning curve: you’ll need a wallet, understand private keys and manage occasional network fees. Still, for many Finns, the benefits of using crypto from fast transactions to bypassing payment blocks outweigh the drawbacks. In international markets, it was found that the top UK crypto casinos tested by Helsinki Times demonstrate how well‑established crypto‑friendly platforms can operate while offering a wide range of games and secure payment systems.
Staying Informed and Responsible
While the Siirto blocks aim to safeguard players and uphold Finland’s gambling monopoly, savvy punters can still enjoy offshore thrills. Just pick your sites wisely or switch to crypto for an uninterrupted experience. In regulated markets, it was found that EU licensed casinos in the UK show how strong oversight can coexist with diverse gaming options, providing both security and variety for players.
- Check the latest blacklist on the National Police Board’s site before depositing.
- Use reputable, licensed casinos whenever possible. They’re less likely to end up on a prohibition list and often offer stronger consumer protections.