Finland mulls state monopoly on gambling
By Elena
24th April, 2008
The Finnish government may follow the lead of neighbouring Norway by entering the world of state-owned casino gambling sites.
Analysts have estimated that Finnish citizens spend some 50 million euros (£40 million) on foreign online casinos each year, with legislation banning domestic firms from setting up such enterprises.
Poker sites have proven particularly popular but demand is reportedly high across the full spectrum of gambling facilities - with staple casino games such as blackjack and roulette also commanding a sizable audience.
Ilkka Juva, communications manager for Veikkaus, the Norwegian state-owned gaming organisation, told Finnish newspaper group Suomen Lehtiyhtyma that the government is missing out on a major opportunity to raise tax revenue.
"We could gather the majority of the revenue flowing out [of the country]," Mr Juva insisted. "Certainly not all of it, but two thirds of 50 million euros could be attainable."
Previously, a government-funded report recommended that Finnish gambling laws be altered to allow gamers to claim back losses, effectively forcing online casino operators to ban Finns from their sites.
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