Finland is now one step closer to transitioning from a gambling monopoly to a regulated open market. The government has confirmed plans to announce two new draft legislations, aligning with the 2027 market launch timeline. The draft bills focus on the security and reliability of IT systems used in gambling, as well as ensuring the fairness of Random Number Generators (RNGs). The latest announcement sends operators a clear signal that the government’s efforts to implement a licensed gambling market are on track.
Brief Overview of the Developments Around Finland’s New Gambling Legislation
- Finnish lawmakers confirmed two draft legislations to support an open market. The first bill establishes the framework for verifying the fairness of RNGs. The second outlines the security measures and protocols that operators must follow.
- The draft legislation is part of the Government Proposal HE 16/2025 vp, which aims to establish a licensed gambling system in Finland. The new framework is expected to take effect in January 2027.
- This reform marks a significant milestone in compliance for operators and lays the foundation for regulating the gambling industry. Players will benefit from personal data protection, secure payment systems, and constant oversight.
New Draft Legislations Provide Clarity on Operator Responsibilities and Regulations
The Finnish government will publish two new draft laws supporting the country’s vision to transition from a gambling monopoly to an open market by 2027. The latest legal documents will be part of Finland’s reformed gambling framework and will guide private operators in fulfilling their legal responsibilities.
At present, the state-run Veikkaus Group has a monopoly on permitted gambling activities, although players are quite active at online casinos in Finland. The lawmakers plan to implement the gambling reforms in early 2026, allowing operators to apply for appropriate licenses thereafter. Veikkaus is bracing for impact.
The company expects significant organisational restructuring to stave off the competition. As private operators prepare to enter the market, there is a growing demand for clear legislation. By publishing the two draft bills, the government will provide clarity and make the licensing process predictable.
Finland’s transition to an open gambling market has been criticised earlier for its vague rules. In September, the Constitutional Law Committee reprimanded the Finnish government for its opaque rules governing the marketing of gambling. The Government proposal HE 16/2025 vp for a new gambling system has so far steered clear of any such accusations.
Lawmakers Focus on Consumer Safety and Fair Gambling Mechanics
The first draft law outlines the standards of consumer safety protocols across the gambling sector. Licence holders must ensure that their gaming systems are safeguarded against vulnerabilities, that players’ personal data is adequately protected, and that all infrastructure meets prescribed technical standards.
Operators will be required to undergo a rigorous test every two years to ensure compliance with these regulations. They must also complete a vulnerability scan annually. Operators must address all issues that surface during these tests and pass a new audit within 90 days to continue offering gambling services.
These regulations aim to detect and plug security vulnerabilities early on and incentivise operators to address potential threats proactively. Both tests must be performed by accredited independent organisations that fulfil ISO or IEC standards. During the transition phase, Finland may recognise Swedish and Danish accreditations, although the government has yet to take a final decision.
The second legislation focuses on the fairness of Random Number Generators (RNGs), which are tools used to produce random outcomes for games of chance. The law mentions that RNGs must undergo independent external audits to validate the fairness and authenticity of each outcome.
It outlines acceptable testing methodologies, traceable procedures, and documentation requirements in accordance with international standards. The goal is to ensure genuine randomness, prevent manipulation, and enforce a uniform and fair gambling code for the operators to follow.
Online gambling in Finland has experienced incredible growth lately. Recent studies have revealed a surge in skin gambling and esports betting. This emphasises the need to implement urgent gambling reforms amid shifting industry dynamics. With the draft legislation almost in print, the next 12 months will be critical in shaping the future of the Finnish gambling market.