Finland Advances Online Gaming Regulation with Bill Proposal

Gambling Reform in Finland: A Look Ahead

Cracking the online gambling market's stranglehold, Finland's government unveils a new gambling reform bill to the parliamentary floor. If passed, it'll bring Finland in sync with its Nordic neighbors like Sweden and Denmark by welcoming private operators into the fray.

Currently, Veikkaus, the national heavyweight, secures the sole ownership over all internet-based gambling in Finland, including casino games, sports betting, and lotteries. This monopoly is set to crumble by the end of 2026 under the proposed legislation, but Veikkaus will remain the ruling authority over land-based casinos, retail gaming machines, scratch cards, and lotteries.

Addressing the reform, the industry trade body Rahapeliala Ry champions the cause, anticipating parliament's approval by mid-2025. This optimistic timeline quickens the adoption process, enabling operators to throw their hats in the ring as early as January 2026. A competitive market may burst onto the scene as early as 2027, though some stakeholders are hopeful for an earlier debut.

The Finnish government asserts that the regulatory overhaul will combat gambling-related harm. By bestowing licenses upon more operators, the reform seeks to lead players to regulated platforms rather than unsafe, unlicensed gambling sites.

"The aim has been to find a regulatory solution in which the regulation against gambling harms balances the desire for gambling companies to acquire a license and the promotion of online gambling to a regulated gaming offering," stated Finland's Minister of the Interior, Mari Rantanen.

Stricter player protection measures may emerge in the fiercely competitive market, fostering safer gambling experiences for consumers. Greater transparency and accountability are hoped for, aiding in the regulation of the sector.

The bill undergoes thorough vetting by parliamentary subcommittees, with minor modifications possible. Experts, however, forecast a swift legislative route.

Mika Kuismanen, CEO of Rahapeliala Ry, predicts the law's passing by June 2025. Contrastingly, gaming lawyer Antti Koivula suggests a more measured timeline, with a parliamentary vote likely in the autumn of 2025.

"Minor modifications are expected before the parliament votes on its approval, likely in autumn 2025," Koivula stated on LinkedIn. "With a broad political consensus on the need for reform, the vote is expected to be a mere formality."

The reform signifies a momentous shift in Finland's gambling domain, opening avenues for international operators and aligning the country's regulations with wider European market norms.

The Nitty Gritty

Finland aims to abolish its gambling monopoly held by the state-owned Veikkaus in 2026, inviting private companies to secure licenses for online gambling services[1].
The reform opens up the online market to private providers, while retaining Veikkaus's control over physical gaming machines and lotteries[1].
A precise timeline for when private operators can start applying for licenses remains undisclosed, but the reform is expected to materialize in 2026. The possible onset of the licensing process could occur as early as 2026, although no exact dates have been disclosed[1][2].
The shift follows European trends towards open licensing systems, aiming to achieve greater control, boost revenue while enhancing player protections[1].

By 2026, Finland intend to dismantle the monopoly on online gambling currently owned by the state-operated Veikkaus, subsequently inviting private entities to apply for licenses.
Under the proposed reform, private operators gain access to the online gambling market, whereas Veikkaus retains dominance over physical gaming machines, scratch cards, and lotteries.
The legislation, if passed, may permit private operators to start applying for licenses as early as January 2026, potentially ushering in a competitive market as early as 2027.
The goal of the regulatory overhaul is to combat gambling-related harm by encouraging players to engage with regulated platforms instead of unlicensed gambling sites, resulting in stricter player protection measures and fostering a safer overall gambling experience.
As part of the gambling reform, Finland looks to align its regulations with the norms of the wider European market and open up lucrative opportunities for international operators.
Minister of the Interior, Mari Rantanen, emphasized that the aim is to find a regulatory solution that balances the desire for gambling companies to acquire licenses, the promotion of online gambling to regulated offerings, and addressing gambling-related harm.