Finland has taken a key step toward opening its online gambling market. Authorities announced a new fee for police services ahead of the launch of a competitive market on July 1, 2027. The move follows the signing of the new Gambling Act by President Alexander Stubb earlier this month, ending state-run Veikkaus’ monopoly on remote gaming. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has welcomed Finland’s decision to move away from a gambling monopoly.
Finland Announces New Fee Structure for Police Services: Quick Overview of the Key Points
- The Ministry of the Interior has implemented a new fee on police services related to online gambling in Finland. The move follows the signing of the new Gambling Act, which shifts online gambling to a licensing system from July 1, 2027.
- From March 1, 2026, operators can apply for exclusive and general gambling licences priced at €29,000. The National Police Board (NPB) will manage licensing until June 30, 2027, after which the Finnish Supervisory Agency takes charge.
- Veikkaus will retain control of lotteries and land-based slot venues, while online betting and casino games will be open to competition. The reform also introduces strict consumer protection rules within the regulated market.
New Licence Fees and Application Timeline Announced
From March 1, 2026, gambling operators will be able to apply for exclusive and general gambling licences through the National Police Board. Each permit will cost €29,000 according to the updated decree. Meanwhile, amendments to existing permits and authorisations for international cooperation will carry a €1,120 fee.
Finland’s Ministry of the Interior announced the updated fee structure in a press release published on Monday, January 26. Additional fees will apply to exclusive and general permits as well as authorisation for international cooperation.
The Ministry’s statement reads:
The new fees will be charged for an exclusive licence, a gambling licence, and an authorisation for international cooperation for the holder of an exclusive licence or a gambling licence.
The decree will take effect on March 1, 2026, and remain valid until December 31, 2026. The National Police Board will serve as the licensing authority until June 30, 2027. After that date, responsibility will shift to the yet-to-be-established Finnish Supervisory Agency, which will oversee both licensing and compliance.
Licensed operations and marketing of gambling games will commence once the new Gambling Act comes into force on July 1, 2027. The decree covers the initial phase of the licensing pipeline as the applications are processed and reviewed. The National Police Board stated that it will issue further instructions on the licensing procedure soon. Until then, Veikkaus will remain the sole legal provider for regulated games of chance.
Market Structure Under Finland’s New Gambling Act
Finnish authorities have proposed a dual-licensing framework that splits Veikkaus’ operations into two legal entities, in compliance with EU competition law. Under the reformed gambling framework, Veikkaus will retain control of lotteries, scratch cards, and physical slot machines.
Meanwhile, online betting, slots, casino games, and money bingo will open to competition under a licensed model. The Ministry of the Interior has said the goal is to increase the share of gambling within the regulated system while strengthening consumer protection standards.
Finland published the Gambling Act last week following President Alexander Stubb’s approval. The law introduces mandatory identification, deposit limits, and a centralised self-exclusion system. Restrictions on bonuses and credit-based play are also included. By 2028, operators will be required to use software supplied only by licensed providers.
Industry Reaction Amid Evolving Gambling Market Dynamics in the EU
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has described Finland as the last EU member state to move away from a fully exclusive online monopoly. EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer explained that the EU’s remote gambling markets are now aligned.
Haijer stated:
The momentum towards multi-licensing in Europe is now complete.
The EGBA argues that competitive licensing models are more effective at drawing players toward regulated sites than monopoly systems. It has also pointed to Norway and Iceland as remaining European markets still leaning heavily on monopoly-style control. The EGBA anticipates Finland’s reform to pressure those countries to review their approaches.
The group maintains that well-regulated competition offers stronger consumer protection and better oversight. The EGBA has always called for harmonisation of the EU’s gambling regulations to streamline oversight and enforcement across borders. However, no concrete measures have been implemented to date.
Finland’s government noted that the phased approach to reform is deliberate, giving regulators time to prepare licensing and compliance systems. With licence fees now set and application dates confirmed, the country is moving closer to a competitive online gambling market.