Kilpilevyjen

Kilpilevyjen, a Finnish term that translates to "competition taxes" in English, refers to a set of taxes and fees imposed on various forms of gambling activities in Finland. These taxes are levied by the Finnish government to regulate the gambling industry and generate revenue for public services. The primary legislative framework governing these taxes is the Lotteries Act (Arpajaislaki) and the Act on Gambling Tax (Rahapeliverolaki).

The Finnish gambling market is dominated by state-owned companies, such as Veikkaus, which operates lotteries, sports betting, and casino games. The revenue generated from these activities is subject to different tax rates depending on the type of gambling. For instance, the tax rate on lottery games is typically around 30% of the total stakes, while for sports betting, it is approximately 15%. Casino games, both online and land-based, are taxed at a rate of about 18% of the gross gaming revenue.

In addition to these taxes, there are also fees associated with obtaining licenses to operate gambling activities. These fees vary depending on the type and scale of the gambling operation. The proceeds from these taxes and fees are allocated to various public services, including healthcare, education, and cultural activities, as well as to support problem gambling prevention and treatment programs.

The regulation and taxation of gambling in Finland aim to strike a balance between providing entertainment options for the public and mitigating the potential negative social impacts of gambling. The Finnish government regularly reviews and adjusts these tax rates and regulations to adapt to changes in the gambling landscape and to ensure the sustainability of public services.