Finland is preparing to open parts of its gambling market to licensed private operators from 2027. The development comes in the wake of the parliament approving a new Gambling Act, proposing to end Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly on gambling activities across the country. Under the proposed law, the state-owned gambling operator would still retain exclusive rights over lottery-type games, scratch cards, and several land-based products. While online casinos, slots, bingo, and betting activities would be available to licensed operators.
Finland Finalises Plans to Launch Competitive Online Gambling Markets in 2027: Quick Summary
- Finland is moving towards a licensed gambling market after the Government approved a new Gambling Act. The reform aims to end Veikkaus’ monopoly on sports betting and online casinos in Finland and launch a competitive licensing system.
- The licence application window will open on March 1, 2026, with licensed services set to begin on 1 July 2027. The National Police Board will oversee the licensing process before the Finnish Supervisory Agency takes over in July 2027.
- Veikkaus will retain exclusive control of lottery-type games, scratch cards, and certain land-based products, including physical slot machines and casino games. The act also includes strict player protection and marketing rules.
Finland Moves Towards a Licensed Gambling Market
According to a press release published by Finland’s Interior Ministry on Thursday, January 15, Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly on offering gambling games will end shortly. Under the new Gambling Act, online casino games, video slots, bingo and sports betting activities will be available to licensed operators.
In a parliamentary session on January 15, the Government proposed that the President of the Republic approve the Gambling Act. Finland’s Parliament voted 158-9 in favour of the new gambling act, placing it on a trajectory for implementation once the President’s signature transforms the bill into a law.
Most provisions of the new act will be enforced on July 1, 2027. After the legislative reform takes effect, Veikkaus Oy will retain the monopoly on lottery-type games, scratch cards, and physical slot machines and casino games. The state-run operator will also continue to hold exclusive control over Lotto, Eurojackpot and physical slot machines.
Lawmakers announced this dual licensing framework in December 2025. Under this regulatory model, Veikkaus’ business will be split into two separate legal entities to comply with the EU’s competition laws. Veikkaus Oy will have a monopoly on providing gambling services under the supervision of the National Police Board until the end of June 2027.
Licensing Timeline and Regulatory Supervision
Reputable online gambling operators can apply for a sports betting and online casino licence from March 1, 2026. Applicants must meet the requirements of fitness and propriety for the provision of gambling services. The National Police Department (NPD) will oversee the licensing procedure.
The NPD has also been tasked with oversight and enforcement until July 1, 2027, when the Finnish Supervisory Authority officially takes charge. Permits are not exclusive to gambling operators. From July 1, 2028, licensed operators must procure electronic games of chance exclusively from software developers licensed in Finland.
Authorities have been preparing to adapt to the new regulatory framework. In November, the government announced two new draft bills focusing on the security and reliability of IT systems and ensuring the fairness of Random Number Generators (RNGs), respectively. Veikkaus has also announced a major organisational restructuring measure to cope with the new laws.
Stronger Player Protection Rules and Marketing Restrictions Proposed
The new Gambling Act requires operators to protect players from gambling harm. The minimum age limit for playing games of chance is capped at 18, and gambling platforms are responsible for verifying a player’s age. Authorities will also introduce self-exclusion, consumption limits and self-monitoring measures shortly.
The law restricts influencer marketing and direct marketing by phone. Promotional gambling content must not target minors, be marketed in channels aimed at minors, or be displayed during sports and other public events intended for minors. Except for radio advertising, marketing must also include the licensee’s details and those of the supervisory authority.
If a licensed gambling operator were to breach or neglect the obligations laid down in the Gambling Act, the supervisory authority could impose a hefty fine or revoke the permit. As Finland prepares to welcome a competitive online gambling market, its European neighbours, several of whom are in the process of revamping their online gambling frameworks, will closely monitor every recent development.