New Gambling Law in Finland: Introduction of a Licensing System

Today, Veikkaus Oy has the exclusive right to offer gambling in Finland. However, much online gambling occurs outside of this monopoly, and many businesses operate outside the scope of national regulation and oversight. This creates problems for the control and supervision of gambling activities.

The new legislation aims to regulate these activities by allowing gambling companies to apply for licenses to the Finnish Surveillance Agency. The aim is to reduce gambling-related harm and channel demand into a regulated framework. This will allow better control and management of gambling activities in the country.

Under the proposed system, some games will remain under an exclusive license from Veikkaus Oy. This includes verticals such as lottery games and scratch cards. Thus, the new competitive market and Veikkaus Oy's monopoly operations will be managed by separate entities within the same group. The government will determine annually the amount of compensation that Veikkaus Oy pays for its exclusive license.

The bill proposes major changes to the supervision and regulation of gambling. The new Finnish Oversight Agency will replace the National Police Agency and will have extensive powers to enforce the law. It will have the ability to impose fines, revoke licenses, and block network connections and payments to prevent unlicensed gambling activities.

The new law will introduce strict rules on gambling advertising and marketing. These rules are intended to ensure moderation and prevent targeting of minors or vulnerable individuals. This is an important step to protect citizens from the negative consequences of gambling.

To improve the safety of gambling, the legislation provides for the creation of a centralized register for independent gambling prohibitions. There will also be a requirement to register and verify the identity of players. These measures are aimed at preventing problem gambling and ensuring the safety of participants.

The proposed reforms include a phased implementation plan. Applications for gambling licenses are expected to be accepted from early 2026, and licensed activities could begin by early 2027. This will allow time to prepare and implement all necessary changes and ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

The draft new gambling law in Finland represents a significant step forward in the regulation and control of the industry. The introduction of a licensing system will open up the market to competition, provide protection to citizens and help channel demand into a regulated structure. The new legislation promises to bring positive changes and improve overall gambling controls in the country.