Online poker losing popularity in Finland

There had been a boom in internet poker in Finland around the middle of the last decade, but according to poker professional Aki Pyysing, winnings are much harder to come by these days.

“Players have improved worldwide as well,” said Pyysing, who says that the change is noticeable in his wallet. “I am not getting the same results, although I am playing just as much. That indicates that the game is now tighter.”

The future of online poker has been in doubt since the United States Department of Justice shut down some poker websites that operate in America. That removed a huge pool of players from the poker scene, and substantially reduced potential profits.

Legal moves to restrict foreign sites

Changes are also possible in Finland. The new government’s programme includes a proposal to limit foreign gambling websites, a proposal that poker professionals in Finland find a little worrying. “If the law comes in, people will find a way to dodge it or they will move abroad,” says Pyysing. The big attraction is that international online tables often offer big stakes and a low skill level, giving professionals the chance to win large sums.

Finnish slot machine association (RAY) head of poker, Jussi Hietaranta, refuses to take a position on the government’s legislative programme but defends RAY’s fair and trustworthy online poker offering. “People want to play against those that offer the easiest victories, notes Hietaranta. “On RAY’s poker site people play with entertainment in mind. Professionals have never been our target group.”

Online poker is, though, an important area for RAY. In the autumn RAY will organise the first Finnish championships in online poker. Hietaranta claims that thousands of players are expected to compete in the tournament, including some who play professionally abroad.