Located in the bustling heart of Helsinki at Mikonkatu 19, Casino Helsinki stands as Finland’s most prominent gaming venue, a two-story marvel that blends modern entertainment with a unique commitment to charity. Established in its current form in 2004 after moving from the Hotel Presidentti, where it operated as Casino RAY since 1991, this state-owned casino by Veikkaus Oy offers over 300 slot machines, 20+ table games, and a dedicated poker room, all just steps from the Central Railway Station. For those exploring the most prestigious land-based casinos of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, Casino Helsinki is a standout, offering a sophisticated gaming experience enriched by its historic Viennese Baroque setting and its noble mission to donate all profits to Finnish charities.
The casino’s roots trace back to Finland’s gaming monopoly, established to regulate gambling and fund social good, a mission it has upheld since its inception. Its prime location in Helsinki’s city center—near Rautatientori Square and within walking distance of cultural landmarks like the National Museum—makes it a natural hub for the 300,000+ annual visitors, from local Finns to tourists exploring the Nordic capital. Beyond gaming, it provides an award-winning sports bar, gourmet dining options, and live entertainment, creating a multifaceted experience that reflects Finland’s blend of tradition and innovation. This article delves into the casino’s compelling history, its architectural elegance, and the diverse offerings that make it a cherished gem in Northern Europe’s casino landscape.
Casino Helsinki’s allure lies in its ability to combine entertainment with purpose, offering a gaming experience that feels both thrilling and meaningful. Whether you’re a poker enthusiast drawn to its seven-table room, a casual player chasing jackpots on the slots, or a visitor enjoying a cocktail while watching sports on a giant screen, the casino delivers a mix of excitement and Finnish hospitality. Its role as a charitable institution, paired with its central accessibility via metro, tram, or a short walk from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (15 km away), makes it a pivotal destination in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Let’s uncover what makes this Finnish icon a beacon of gaming generosity.
A Charitable Gaming Hub: Key Features at a Glance
Casino Helsinki’s distinction stems from its modern gaming offerings and its unique charitable mission, all housed within a historic building that enhances its Nordic charm. The table below outlines its core attractions, providing a quick overview of what visitors can expect from this Helsinki landmark.
| Feature | Details | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 300+ machines, IGT, Novomatic | Ground Floor | 12 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
| Roulette | American, electronic variants | First Floor | 3 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
| Blackjack | Classic rules, multi-hand options | First Floor | 3 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
| Poker | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, tournaments | Poker Room (Ground) | 5 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
| Sports Bar | Giant screen, 30+ sports channels | Sports Bar Area | 12 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
From Modest Beginnings to Charitable Champion
The story of Casino Helsinki begins with the establishment of RAY (Raha-automaattiyhdistys) in 1938, Finland’s state-run gaming authority tasked with managing slot machines and channeling profits to social causes. The modern casino era dawned on December 1, 1991, when Casino RAY opened at the Hotel Presidentti in Helsinki, marking the country’s first full-service casino under a government monopoly aimed at regulating gambling and funding charity. By 2004, the operation outgrew its initial space, leading to a move to the current Mikonkatu 19 location—a building originally constructed in 1898 as Hotel Fennia—where it was rebranded as Casino Helsinki, reflecting its expanded scope and modern facilities.
The transition to Mikonkatu was a game-changer, situating the casino in a Viennese Baroque edifice designed by architects Grahn, Hedman, and Wasastjerna, with its two-story, 2,600-square-meter layout offering a spacious upgrade. The move coincided with Finland’s growing tourism industry, fueled by EU membership in 1995 and Helsinki’s rise as a Nordic cultural hub, drawing over 305,000 visitors by 2009 and generating €30 million in revenue—all donated to Finnish charities supporting health, education, and welfare. In recent years, renovations—such as the 2025 Sports Bar upgrade with Restel Oy—have kept it contemporary while preserving its historic charm. Key milestones in its history include:
- 1938: RAY founded to manage gaming for charity.
- 1991: Casino RAY opens at Hotel Presidentti as Finland’s first casino.
- 2004: Relocates to Mikonkatu, rebranded as Casino Helsinki.
- 2025: Sports Bar renovated, partnering with Restel Oy.
These moments highlight how Casino Helsinki evolved from a modest venture into a Northern European gaming icon, driven by a mission of social good.
Architectural Charm and Entertainment Unveiled
Casino Helsinki’s design is a striking fusion of historic grandeur and modern functionality, reflecting its dual role as a cultural landmark and gaming hub. Housed in the former Hotel Fennia, built in 1898, the building boasts a Viennese Baroque façade with ornate detailing, while the interior spans two floors of elegant yet practical space. The ground floor welcomes visitors with over 300 slot machines under high ceilings adorned with subtle decorative elements, while the first floor’s gaming rooms feature warm lighting and plush decor, creating a refined ambiance that contrasts with the vibrant energy below.
The gaming experience is diverse and well-executed. The slot area, open from noon to 4 a.m., offers over 300 machines from top providers like IGT, Novomatic, and Scientific Games, featuring classic reels, video slots, and progressive jackpots with bets starting at €0.01 and payouts reaching into the thousands. The first floor, active from 3 p.m., hosts over 20 tables—American Roulette with stakes from €2 to €5,000, blackjack from €5 to €2,000, and additional games like Oasis Poker, Baccarat, and Dynamic Poker Pro, all managed by staff fluent in Finnish and English. The poker room, open from 5 p.m., features seven tables with Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games (stakes from €2/€2 to €10/€20) and tournaments like the Helsinki Freezeout, drawing players across the Nordics. A smart-casual dress code—shoes required, no sportswear—maintains a polished yet approachable vibe.
Entertainment at Casino Helsinki extends beyond gaming, enhancing its appeal as a social hub. The Sports Bar, recently renovated in 2025, offers a giant screen and 30+ sports channels showing international matches from noon to 4 a.m., paired with a menu of burgers, beers, and snacks from Restel Oy’s kitchen, open during the same hours. The Fennia Salonki, a historic venue with Viennese elegance, hosts live events—cabaret shows, jazz nights, and private dinners—adding cultural depth without extra cost, while Bar All In serves cocktails and light bites 24/7. Accessibility is seamless—free entry with ID (18+), a short walk from Kaisaniemi metro, and parking at Q-Park Kaisaniemi nearby. Standout features include:
- Sports Bar’s giant screen and 30+ channels.
- Fennia Salonki’s elegant live entertainment.
- Free gaming lessons for roulette and poker.
- Charitable profit model supporting Finnish causes.
This blend of gaming and leisure ensures Casino Helsinki remains a dynamic destination in Northern Europe.
Why Casino Helsinki Stands Out
Casino Helsinki’s prestige lies in its unique status as one of the world’s few casinos donating all profits to charity, a mission that has contributed over €30 million annually to Finnish welfare, alongside its robust gaming offerings. Its 300+ slots and 20+ tables cater to a wide audience, while the poker room’s seven tables host events like the Midnight Sun Poker Tournament, attracting over 5,000 players yearly from the Nordics and beyond. The VIP experience, though less expansive than some European peers, offers personalized service in a cozy setting, balancing accessibility with a touch of exclusivity.
The casino’s integration with Helsinki’s urban vitality enhances its charm. Open 363 days from noon to 4 a.m., it requires ID for those over 18, adhering to Veikkaus Oy’s strict responsible gaming policies, including AML compliance and personal limit settings via a Casino ID card. Its location near Rautatientori Square—5 minutes from the Central Railway Station and 15 km from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport—makes it a convenient stop, while nearby attractions like the Ateneum Art Museum add cultural appeal. Additional draws that set it apart include:
- World’s only fully charitable casino model.
- Historic Viennese Baroque architecture.
- Free entry and cloakroom services.
From its 1991 debut as Casino RAY to its thriving presence in 2025, Casino Helsinki stands as a Northern, Central, and Eastern European treasure, offering a refined blend of gaming, entertainment, and Finnish generosity in the heart of Helsinki.