Finns among the top 5 most gambling nations
Finns are famous for their passion for gambling, and the history of this hobby in this Northern country goes way back. Year after year, Finland is among the top five gambling nations in the world. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Over 41% of the adult population in Finland gambles weekly. The minimum age for gambling in the country was raised to 18 years in 2011 from 15 in the previous years in a bid to discourage gambling among children. Finnish gamblers lose an average of $553 per adult per year.
Where does this enthusiasm come from? The answer is not that simple.
There are many reasons why casino games are so popular in Finland. Sure, playing habits and preferences are individual, but you can easily find national commonalities explaining the popularity of gambling. These include geographical, cultural, and social factors.
Geography could be a factor in the popularity of casino games in Finland. The country is located far up in the north, and weather conditions significantly impact people’s opportunities to be outdoors during the long, dark, and cold winter months, or even rainy summer days. Finns tend to spend a lot of time indoors and look for suitable entertainment there. And what could be more attractive indoor entertainment than online games including gambling?
Finland’s remoteness is also one likely reason why a Finns is gambling so much. Life in this remote country has been relatively easy and safe for decades without significant turbulence or big crises. To counterbalance an even and secure life, people tend to look for excitement elsewhere, and gambling is one option.
Social factors can also play a role. This northern nation is renowned for its quietness. You don't waffle around and don't necessarily always yearn for the company of another person. For a Finn, it's enough to have things to focus on. Gambling is a hassle-free way to spend time without the company of others.
These may not be all-encompassing explanations, but they are potential factors in studying the popularity of gambling in Finland over the past several decades.
Gambling has a long tradition in Finland, dating back several centuries. Already the people who were the first to settle in Finland played bets in a rudimentary style or threw stone or bone dice in their huts and later in their smokehouses.
Casino gaming, as it is known today, dates back several decades in Finland. The first land-based casinos in the country were established in the 1990s, and since then, the gambling industry has grown significantly. With the rise of the internet, casinos that work online have also become increasingly popular, offering players the convenience of playing from home – which suits many introvert Finns quite well.
For the first time, you could play casino games in nightclubs about 50 years ago, when casino gaming became popular among Finns. At first, only roulette games were offered in the nicer domes. A little later, blackjack games also entered the picture, and players started to use different strategies in their playing. Read More…