Finland is a pretty closed market for online gambling. Though it is legal to play casino games online, it can only be done using the state-run monopoly, Rahaautomaattiyhdistys (commonly called RAY). While that is bad news in terms of variety, the good news is that Finnish citizens now have more options open to them.

Earlier this year, RAY signed a contract with Playtech, an online gambling software designer based in the UK. Playtech has been around since 1999, near the beginning of the online gambling industry, and has a good reputation for providing games that are fun, unique and safe. Equally as important, they have a large number of casino games from which to choose.

Now the first batch of Playtech-licensed games have been released to the people of Finland. Playtech has launched a suite that will include over 150 games. Included in the games popular branded online slots such as the Pink Panther and Iron Man. In addition to slots, online poker, video poker, blackjack and more will be available.

All of the Playtech games will be closely regulated by the Finnish government. Finland cites player protection as the reason such oversight and strict control over the market is necessary. The Finnish Population Register will be utilized to ensure that only citizens of legal age play the games. In addition, RAY’s “Playscan” feature will be used to monitor the gaming and detect fraud.

In February of 2010, the Finnish government amended their gambling laws to allow RAY to launch an online casino. Prior to that, the gambling monopoly could only provide slot machines and casino games via a brick and mortar casino.

Tags: Finland online casino, Playtech