Latest News
Finland: Prevalence of at-risk gambling has decreased – gambling problems still as common as before


According to a study conducted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the prevalence of “at-risk gambling” which causes individual mild harms has decreased in Finland. The 2019 study indicated that 11 per cent of the Finnish population had engaged in at-risk level gambling in the past 12 months. In the previous study, conducted in 2015, the proportion of at-risk gamblers was 15 per cent. The prevalence of at-risk gambling has decreased in both men and women.
At-risk gambling refers to gambling which causes some individual harms and often precedes the development of problem gambling. According to the 2019 study, three per cent of the Finnish population, meaning approximately 112,000 people, had experienced gambling problems. The proportion of such individuals has remained the same since 2007.
According to the study, 1.4 per cent of Finns – around 52,000 people – suffered in 2019 from probable pathological gambling, which is the most severe form of problematic gambling.
In contrast, the study indicates that gambling without indentified problems has increased. The number of gamblers remained the same between 2015 and 2019, but changes took place in the frequency of gambling: the proportion of Finns who gambled less often than once a month increased, whereas the proportion of those gambling more often than this decreased.
The past-year prevalence of gambling at least one game type among the respondents was 78.4 per cent.
Online gambling has become more common
In 2019, one third of the respondents (36.3 %) had been gambling online. The proportion of online gamblers increased by 12.7 percentage points from 2015.
At the same time, the proportion of those who gambled games offered by foreign operators increased from 3.3 to 5.4 per cent. Almost all gamblers (98.1 %) who had gambled games offered by an operator other than Veikkaus Oy had also gambled Veikkaus Oy’s games.
In 2019, 2.5 per cent of the gamblers accounted for one half of the total gambling expenditure. This means that of the 2,917,000 people living in mainland Finland who participated in gambling in 2019, 72,000 people spent one half of the total expenditure of that year. Veikkaus Oy’s share of the online gambling expenditure was 83.6 per cent, while the other game operators accounted for 16.4 per cent.
“Only a relatively few people gamble games offered by operators other than Veikkaus, when compared to the number of those gambling Veikkaus games. Then again, there is big money involved in foreign online games. Therefore, it is now important to monitor how the closing of the Finnish slot machines due to the coronavirus epidemic affects online gambling”, says THL Senior Researcher Anne Salonen.
One in five Finns has someone with problematic gambling in their immediate social circle
Just over one fifth (21.1 %) of the respondents reported that at least one person in their immediate social circle had demonstrated problematic gambling. This means that around 790,000 persons are affected by someone close to them having a gambling problem, and this proportion has increased.
According to Salonen, the result may also indicate that Finns have become more aware of gambling problems, and the issue is now discussed more openly and boldly than before.
Since 2007, THL has been monitoring gambling, the prevalence of gambling problems, and the attitudes and opinions related to gambling by carrying out a population survey every four years among Finnish people aged from 15 to 74. In 2019, the study was participated in by 3994 Finns. Statistics Finland conducted the interviews over the telephone. The study was carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and commissioned and financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (section 52 of the Lotteries Act).
THL publishes the Finnish Gambling 2019 results in stages; the first step now is to publish the main results concerning gambling and gambling problems. The results concerning the attitudes and opinions related to gambling will be published later this year.
Source: thl.fi
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Finland: Prevalence of at-risk gambling has decreased – gambling problems still as common as before

Latest News
Americas Online Gambling Market To Soon Eclipse Europe’s, Finds Vixio Forecasts
- Vixio forecasts that regulated online GGR in North and Latin America will grow at a compound annual rate of 3 percent from US$22.3bn in 2023 to US$56.3bn by 2028, drawing level with regulated European market.
Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, ahead of SBC Americas forecasts that the regulated online gambling market in the Americas to be worth US$32.5bn by 2026, compared to US$15.6bn in 2022, more than doubling in size in a period of four years. This growth rate is more than double the equivalent in Europe, with the European regulated online gambling market projected to be worth €37.3bn in 2026, up from just under €30bn in 2022.
By 2028, regulated online gambling markets in the U.S., Canada and Latin American countries are expected to generate US$56.3bn, drawing level with Europe or potentially surpassing it depending on currency fluctuations.
“Prior to 2018, the regulated online gambling market was highly euro-centric but legalization of sports betting and iGaming in various U.S. states as well as the major markets of Ontario and Brazil has coincided with stricter regulations in European countries that has restricted growth in a number of cases,” said James Kilsby, Chief Analyst, Vixio.
Vixio will be showcasing its data forecasting and regulatory intelligence solutions in more detail at the SBC Summit Americas 2026 at stand B175, with additional information in its Latin America Online Outlook report, available at vixio.com/research/latin-america-outlook-2025.
Vixio forecasts that regulated online GGR in North and Latin America will grow at a compound annual rate of 20.3 percent from US$22.3bn in 2023 to US$56.3bn by 2028, drawing level with regulated European market.
Providing further insight into one of the most closely watched online gambling markets globally, Kilsby, Vixio’s award-winning analyst, will be speaking during a panel session titled “Brazil 2025: A Surge in Licensing and Lessons So Far.” James was recently recognized as a Silver Stevie® Award Winner for Thought Leader of the Year in the 2025 American Business Awards®. The panel will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. in conference room four.
In addition, Vixio has been shortlisted for Compliance Solution of the Year at the 2025 SBC Awards, which will be announced on the second day of the conference.
Visit us at stand B175 at SBC Summit Americas to learn more about how Vixio can help your business navigate the regulatory challenges of the gaming industry.
For more information, or to book a meeting with a Vixio representative at SBC Americas, visit vixio.com.
The post Americas Online Gambling Market To Soon Eclipse Europe’s, Finds Vixio Forecasts appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
ACR POKER’S FANTASY POKER LEAGUE RETURNS FOR VEGAS’ HOTTEST SUMMER SERIES
Drafting opens from today through Monday, May 26th, giving players the chance to compete for cash rewards
ACR Poker is bringing back its fan-favorite Fantasy Poker League promotion this month, offering players the chance to cash-in on Vegas’ biggest summer series without playing a single hand.
Building on the success of 2024’s inaugural Vegas edition, where over 700 teams were created, the Fantasy Poker League: Vegas 2025 gives fans and players worldwide a unique opportunity to engage with the action by drafting their ultimate lineup of poker pros and competing for cash prizes, glory and bragging rights.
“Fantasy sports are wildly popular, and after last year’s epic Vegas edition, bringing the Fantasy Poker League back was a no-brainer,” said 2003 WSOP Main Event champion and ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “Whether you’re railing your favorite pros or competing with friends, it’s the best way to stay connected to all the hot poker action in Vegas this summer.”
The drafting period for the Fantasy Poker League kicks off today and runs until Monday, May 26th (12pm ET). From Tuesday, May 27th through Wednesday, July 16th, participants will earn points every time their drafted players cash in live poker events during Sin City’s hottest summer series.
Here’s how the 2025 Fantasy Poker League works:
- Draft your fantasy squad(s) (between 4 to 8 players), staying within the $300 salary cap (May 12th–26th)
- Choose between three fantasy league buy-in options: $20, $100, and $500 (May 12th–26th)
- Check the leaderboard daily to see how your selected team(s) are performing against the competition (May 27th–July 16th)
In addition to the Public League, ACR Poker is enhancing this year’s Vegas edition with the introduction of Private Leagues. Players now have the ability to design their own custom league experience with friends and choose their own buy-ins, salary caps, and participation limits to create the perfect competition.
Moneymaker also noted that participants can easily register and assemble their dream poker team(s) by visiting the My Account page – Rewards tab in the ACR Poker client. Plus, they can enter as many teams as they like.
Alongside the Fantasy Poker League, players looking for more poker action this May can jump into ACR Poker’s largest Online Super Series XL, guaranteeing over $50 Million. Plus, the ‘Moneymaker May-Hem’ offers players a chance to join Chris Moneymaker in Las Vegas for the $10K Main Event when they play in any $109 Sunday Moneymaker Tournament this month.
To learn more about the Fantasy Poker League: Vegas, visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post ACR POKER’S FANTASY POKER LEAGUE RETURNS FOR VEGAS’ HOTTEST SUMMER SERIES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Rapid growth in sports traffic and 400+ participating teams – the Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 results.
The Golden Boomerang Awards 2025, a global affiliate traffic tournament hosted by Boomerang Partners, has officially concluded after three thrilling months of intense competition. From February 3 to May 11, the tournament brought hundreds of affiliate teams across two dynamic leaderboards: Sports betting and Casino.
Boomerang shared some impressive numbers and results from the tournament:
- Over 400 affiliate teams from around the world participated (last year, 226)
- The share of sports traffic to the Boomerang portfolio brands increased by 39% during the competition;
- Sports traffic attracted to the active segment during the competition remained at 86%;
- The top sports event during the contest period was the Champions League semi-final match between Barcelona and Inter;
- During the same period, the top game on the casino leaderboard was the Sugar Rush 1000
In addition to awards in 11 categories (these will be awarded to the winners in May at a special ceremony), Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 participants competed for exclusive prizes in monthly drawings. There were a total of four such drawings:
- Month 1 winner — RevPanda. They attended AC Milan vs Inter.
- Month 2 winner — HighRoller Gaming. The prize was a trip to F1.
- Month 3 winner — Boring Seo. The Boomerang Partners team will fulfil their wish.
Boomerang also held a special competition as part of GBA 2025. It was timed to coincide with the Champions League semi-finals. The winner was team FUMMA, which will receive the coveted ‘Home Stadium Fan’ VIP experience.
With the competition closed, the Top 30 affiliate teams are receiving official invitations to an exclusive award ceremony and networking event at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan. As the Official Regional Betting Partner of AC Milan, Boomerang Partners is proud to host the winners in true Italian style — with a show-stopping evening that combines recognition, entertainment, and football heritage. At the center of the celebration will be Andrea Pirlo, football icon and AC Milan legend, who will personally present the award nominations to the top-performing teams.
More details about the final event and winners will follow soon.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global brand offering a wide range of services. Boomerang is the Official Regional Betting Partner of AC Milan and collaborates with women’s football star and influencer Alisha Lehmann. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards 2024, the first annual global affiliate tournament. Boomerang Partners’ betting segment surged 5x, and gambling — 2x in 2024. Its affiliate program demonstrated a 120% increase in partners, and the number of sports betting offers surged more than 6 times. Six new products were launched by Boomerang in 2024, which contributed to an almost 1.5-fold increase in product users.
Boomerang’s portfolio contains 15+ gambling brands, including sportsbooks. They cover over 35 GEOs and offer a wide range of betting options with favorable odds. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
The post Rapid growth in sports traffic and 400+ participating teams – the Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 results. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News1 month ago
Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
Week 17/2025 slot games releases
-
Latest News1 month ago
SARA TENDULKAR JOINS JETSYNTHESYS’ GLOBAL E-CRICKET PREMIER LEAGUE AS MUMBAI FRANCHISE OWNER FOR SEASON 2
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
Fortuna Partners with 2025 UEFA Under-21 EURO
-
Latest News4 weeks ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Confirms Full Game Lineup, Schedule, and Club Championship Rules for EWC 2025
-
Latest News4 days ago
ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
-
Latest News1 month ago
DreamPlay consolidates its status as a global player in the iGaming industry and opens an office and campus in Cyprus
-
Latest News4 weeks ago
ACR POKER’S NEXT HIGH STAKES ADVENTURE TAKES PLAYERS TO MONTENEGRO FOR PRESTIGIOUS SUPER HIGH ROLLER SERIES
You must be logged in to post a comment Login