Every four years, Finland conducts a comprehensive population survey on gambling habits. The latest survey, “Finnish Gambling 2023”, was published in 2024, with responses from 5,977 Finns aged 15–74 (36.9% of the target group).
Who Gambles the Most?
Gambling is most common among:
• 45–59-year-olds: Approximately 76% of this age group gambled in the past year.
• 30–44-year-olds: Around 72% of this age group participated in gambling.
In all age groups, men gamble more frequently than women.
Gambling in Finland: Most Popular Games
The most popular forms of gambling in Finland are:
• Weekly lottery games and/or Jokeri: 52% of respondents.
• Scratch cards: 40%.
• Slot machines (outside casinos): 18%.
Regular weekly gambling has decreased, with 22% of respondents gambling weekly in 2019, compared to 18% in 2023.
How Much Money is Spent on Gambling?
On average, Finns spend €12.20 per week on gambling.
• Men spend significantly more (€18.30) than women (€5.00).
Spending levels have remained relatively stable from 2019 to 2023.
It’s worth noting that gambling participants, particularly those with problematic gambling habits, often underestimate how much money they spend on gambling.
Where Do People Gamble?
• 30% of respondents gamble exclusively online.
• 14% gamble both online and in physical locations.
• 24% gamble only in physical locations (e.g., kiosks, grocery stores, gas stations, gaming halls, or restaurants).
Concentration of Gambling Revenue
Gambling revenue is highly concentrated, with a small portion of players generating the majority of profits. The most active 2.5% of players are estimated to contribute 50% of all gambling revenue.
This data highlights the significant impact of a small group of gamblers on the industry and raises questions about responsible gambling practices.
Cover photo: Artur Kukov Source: THL.fi
