Finland has finalised the structure of its gambling market after parliament approved legislation replacing monopoly control with a licence-based system. The decision ends a prolonged process and establishes a phased schedule for online betting and casino operations to enter competition under regulatory supervision.
The bill passed by a strong majority after committee amendments. Opposition proposals to tighten marketing limits and raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 20 were rejected. The legislation now moves to the Finnish president for formal approval, expected before year-end.
The law takes effect in January 2026. From 1 March 2026, operators can apply for licences, giving companies a clear entry point into Finland’s regulated market. Jari Vähänen of Finnish Gambling Consultants said the approval brings long-awaited certainty.
Consultation and parliamentary debate
The reform began in July 2024 when the Ministry of the Interior drafted the iGaming proposal? and sought public feedback. After consultation with industry stakeholders, the bill reached parliament in March. Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen explained: “The aim of the bill has been to find a regulatory solution in which the regulation combating gambling harms would be balanced with the fact that gambling companies want to apply for a licence and that online gambling would be directed to a regulated gaming offering.”
Although there was broad agreement on reform, constitutional concerns and timetable disagreements slowed progress. Vähänen wrote: “The delay in the parliamentary process was primarily due to a few potential constitutional issues and disagreements over the timetable for the law’s implementation.” He added: “There was no significant political debate over the need to change the gambling system, but the parties’ views on the emphasis on responsible gambling and on business opportunities differed as expected.”
Industry prepares for change
Operators have continued preparing for the transition. Veikkaus has reorganised its business ahead of competition, investing in staffing and moving its betting platform to OpenBet. Jarkko Nordlund, EVP for iCasino and sports betting, expects the company to remain competitive.
Private operators have monitored the process closely. Joel Hakamies, general manager for Finland and Estonia at FDJ United/Kindred, said: “It’s looking fairly good for the big picture. Overall it’s been fairly positive from our view.” He added: “For our planning it would be better if the timeline was set in stone sooner rather than later. Uncertainty always blurs the horizon for investment.”
Structure of the new Gambling Act
Parliament also approved a new Gambling Act defining how competition will be introduced. Veikkaus will lose exclusivity over betting, online slots, and online casino games in summer 2027 while keeping rights to lotteries, scratch cards, and land-based gambling. Licensed operations will begin 1 July 2027.
Regulatory oversight shifts from the National Police Board to a new Licensing and Supervisory Authority. Veikkaus Deputy CEO Velipekka Nummikoski said: “The model we have been awaiting will improve the possibilities to channel gaming into legal offerings. Veikkaus has not, for a long time, had a genuine monopoly on gambling in Finland. According to various estimates, as much as 600–900 million euros is played annually outside the official system.”
Finland iGaming bill passes final hurdle in parliament, law to take effect in January.
Source:
“Finland iGaming bill passes final hurdle in parliament, law to take effect in January”, igamingbusiness.com, December 16, 2025
marina_m575
1 month ago
Moderator
Finland finally ends its gambling monopoly and sets a phased timeline for licensed operators to apply in 2026, with competition to begin by mid-2027 under the new regulations.
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