Bill Introduced to Finnish Parliament to End Gambling Monopoly
The Finnish government has moved forward with its plans to reform the country’s gambling system with the introduction of a new bill to Parliament.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:If passed, the legislation would dismantle Finland’s gambling monopoly by 2027 and introduce a licensing framework for online betting and casino operators. The law would remove Veikkaus’ exclusive rights in online sports betting and digital slot machines and allow international companies to apply for licenses to operate under Finnish law. Veikkaus would retain its monopoly on lottery games, scratch cards, physical slot machines, and brick-and-mortar casinos.
Gambling would remain restricted to adults, and mandatory identity verification would apply across all sectors of the industry.
Law Designed to Reduce Gambling Harm
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the aim of the reform is to direct gambling activity into regulated channels and mitigate gambling-related harm. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the proposed system seeks to balance harm reduction with a licensing model that attracts legitimate operators to the Finnish market.
The reform is largely driven by concerns over the growing amount of gambling revenue flowing to offshore operators. The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority estimates that about half of all online gambling spending in Finland currently goes to foreign companies.
A new regulatory authority is scheduled to launch in 2026 and it will take over responsibilities from the National Police Board at the start of 2027. The body will be in charge of issuing licenses, ensuring compliance with advertising regulations, conducting technical audits, and enforcing rules.
The bill also outlines strict advertising restrictions. Influencer marketing would be banned, and advertising for highly addictive games, such as digital slots and online casinos, would be prohibited outdoors and near schools. Limited advertising would still be allowed on licensees’ own platforms and through sponsorships.
The legislation also includes measures for consumer protection, such as unified gambling loss tracking, self-exclusion options across all licensed platforms, and the ability for players to set financial limits. Licensed operators would be required to monitor gambling behavior and respond to signs of abuse.
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Licensing Applications May Begin Next Year
State revenue under the new system would come from corporate taxes and licensing fees. Veikkaus would continue to pay dividends to the government and would need to apply for exclusive licenses for the online casino games it retains control over.
Licensing for private operators could begin as early as 2026, with legal operations under the new system allowed from January 2027.
The government said the bill is part of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s coalition agreement and is aligned with similar gambling reforms already implemented in Sweden, Denmark, and other European countries. The proposal now awaits parliamentary approval.
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