Finland is About to Adopt New Gambling Regulations and Here’s What You Need to Know

On March 20, a new bill was presented that aims to reshape Finland’s gambling market, introducing significant changes to current regulations. A key aspect of the proposed legislation is the opening of the online gambling market to private operators, aligning Finland with its Nordic neighbors, Sweden and Denmark. At present, the state-owned company Veikkaus holds a monopoly over online gambling, which includes lottery games, online sports betting, and casino games. However, if the bill is passed in its current form, this monopoly will end by the close of 2026, although Veikkaus would retain exclusive rights over lottery and scratchcard operations as well as retail gaming machines and casino games. Finland Gambling Regulations

Under the new guidelines, operators will be able to apply for licenses starting January 1, 2026, when the new regulations are set to officially take effect. It is anticipated that the new market could open by the beginning of 2027, though some stakeholders believe that an earlier launch might be possible due to the relatively swift progression of the bill through parliament. The Finnish government argues that these reforms are necessary to mitigate gambling-related harm. By allowing a greater number of licensed operators, they aim to limit the number of users accessing illegal gambling sites that lack adequate protective measures.

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Interior Minister Mari Rantanen highlighted the objective of the bill, stating that it seeks to balance the regulation designed to combat gambling harms with the interests of gambling companies eager to acquire licenses. The proposed reforms are seen as a means to redirect online gambling towards a regulated environment. Finland Gambling Regulations

The bill now moves to subcommittees in parliament for further review and potential modifications, although these are not expected to significantly delay its progress. Earlier this year, Mika Kuismanen, CEO of Rahapeliala Ry, expressed optimism that the law could receive approval by the end of June, indicating a rapid turnaround in the parliamentary process. Conversely, local gaming attorney Antti Koivula suggested that a vote is more likely to occur in the autumn, predicting that minor adjustments will be made prior to the parliament’s deliberation. Koivula noted that there is a broad political consensus on the need for reform, suggesting that the upcoming vote will likely be a mere formality.

In addition to the major adjustments to the online gambling landscape, the bill proposes enabling commercial operators to accept bets on horse racing, a privilege that has previously been exclusive to Veikkaus. The legal gambling age will remain at 18, and identification will be required for all players. Furthermore, consumers will have the option to self-exclude from all licensed operators through a newly proposed scheme.

To address concerns about gambling-related harms, operators will be mandated to monitor players’ behavior for any signs of problematic gambling. Licensees will also need to implement measures aimed at preventing abuses and crimes associated with gambling activities. A new Licensing and Supervision Authority has been proposed to oversee the regulated market, ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

Marketing of gambling services will be allowed under specific conditions, which include prohibitions against targeting minors or vulnerable populations and the exclusion of minors from any promotional materials. Overall, the proposed legislation marks a pivotal change for Finland. Gambling Regulations