Finland Sets Out New Gambling Controls for 2027

Finland has unveiled a new set of draft gambling regulations that would introduce tighter restrictions on online casino play, including a ban on autoplay features and limits on slot machine stakes. The proposals form part of the country's transition toward a licensed online gambling market and are scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2027 under the recently enacted Gambling Act (10/2026).

The Ministry of the Interior released four draft regulations this week, providing greater clarity on player protection measures that had remained uncertain despite significant industry interest in the market. Reports indicate that as many as 50 operator licence applications have already been submitted ahead of the new regime.

A public consultation on the proposals remains open until 5 August 2026, giving industry participants and consumers an opportunity to provide feedback before the rules are finalised.

New Requirements for Online Gambling

One of the most closely watched measures would prohibit autoplay function in electronic slot-style games. Under the proposal, players would need to initiate every spin manually, preventing machines from running consecutive rounds without further player interaction.

Authorities have also proposed a minimum spin duration of 2.5 seconds. Players would not be permitted to speed up game outcomes by skipping animations or accelerating results.

The draft regulations would introduce mandatory gameplay reminders every 15 minutes. These notifications would require players to actively decide whether to continue playing or leave the game. The requirement would apply across online gambling products and physical slot machines, with exceptions for player-versus-player casino games.

Limits on Stakes and Losses

The proposals also establish new financial restrictions. Online slot stakes would be capped at €20 per spin, while players under 25 would face a lower limit of €10.

Return-to-player requirements would vary by product type. Slot machines and casino table games would be required to maintain RTP levels between 70% and 99.9%. Online betting products would operate within a range of 55% to 80%, while daily-draw betting games would fall between 50% and 70%.

Physical slot machines would be subject to a daily loss limit of €500, a monthly cap of €2,000 and an annual limit of €24,000. Gaming accounts would also be restricted to a maximum balance of €20,000.

Commenting on the proposals, Antti Koivula, chief commercial officer at Hippos ATG, said: “Restrictive, but not quite Germany. Perhaps not even the Netherlands, at least not yet.”

He added: “That said, more regulation and regulative guidence to come so keep your fingers crossed.”

Changes to Gambling Venues

The draft framework would also reduce gambling machine availability. Retail locations would be limited to 10,000 slot machines, while dedicated gaming halls could operate up to 2,000 machines. Finland would continue to permit only one land-based casino in Helsinki.

If approved, the regulations would mark a major shift in Finland’s gambling market, placing greater emphasis on responsible gambling measures ahead of the planned market opening in 2027.

Source:

“Finland’s latest draft regulations ban online autoplay and enforce maximum slot stakes”, igamingbusiness.com, Jun 12, 2026