Partner

Finland’s New Gambling System: Transitioning Towards a Regulated Market

Partner
Partner

Finland is undergoing a significant overhaul of its gambling regulations, transitioning from a state-controlled monopoly system to a licensing model for certain gambling games. The draft legislation, prepared by the Ministry of the Interior, reflects objectives set in the Government Programme and aims to address issues such as unregulated gambling and consumer protection.

A Brief History of Gambling Legislation in the EU and Finland

Gambling regulation across the European Union has been shaped by diverse national approaches, often balancing consumer protection with economic interests. Historically, many EU countries operated under state-run gambling monopolies to control gambling-related harm and generate public revenue. However, in recent decades, the rise of online gambling has disrupted these traditional frameworks, leading to a shift toward licensing systems in countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. These systems allow private operators to enter the market under strict regulation, creating a competitive yet controlled environment that curbs unregulated gambling.

Finland, however, has maintained a monopoly through Veikkaus Oy, with all gambling revenue funneled into public causes. While this approach limited domestic competition, it struggled to address the growing issue of unregulated online gambling offered by international operators. These platforms have drawn a significant share of Finnish players, creating gaps in consumer protection and tax revenue. Recognizing these challenges, the Finnish government has now proposed a transformative shift towards a licensing model, mirroring the successful transitions seen in neighboring EU countries.

A Phased Transition from Monopoly to Licensing

Under the proposed system, Veikkaus Oy will lose its exclusive rights to online casino, slot machines, and casino games, which will open up to licensed competition by 2027. Lotteries, physical slot machines, and certain betting games will remain under Veikkaus’ monopoly. The monopoly and competitive functions will be divided into separate entities within Veikkaus’ structure, allowing greater flexibility for future state ownership changes.

Enhanced Consumer Protection and Market Supervision

The new act mandates strict measures, including centralized gambling bans and identification requirements for players. Licensed operators will adhere to marketing restrictions, avoiding targeting vulnerable groups. A Finnish Supervisory Agency will oversee the market, replacing the National Police Board. It will monitor compliance, impose sanctions, and ensure alignment with anti-money laundering legislation.

Impacts on the Gambling Landscape

The licensing system aims to steer players from unregulated platforms to legal ones while preventing gambling-related harm. Applications for licenses will begin in 2026, with licensed operations launching in 2027. A network barring system and payment blocking will further curb illegal gambling activities.

Next Steps

The legislation is in consultation until August 2024 and expected to be presented to Parliament by spring 2025. If enacted, it will mark a milestone in Finland’s gambling policy, balancing consumer protection, market fairness, and revenue generation.

For further details, visit the Ministry of the Interior’s website.

TOP STORIES

  • Young Copenhageners supply study grants by selling cocaine

    Young Copenhageners supply study grants by selling cocaine

    In recent years, the spread of cocaine has accelerated. The drug is easily accessible and not only reserved for wealthy party heads. Copenhagen Police have just arrested ten young people and charged them with reselling cocaine

  • 5 Mistakes I Made When I Moved to Denmark

    5 Mistakes I Made When I Moved to Denmark

    Here are five mistakes I made that helped me understand that belonging isn’t a strategy—it’s a practice. This isn’t a story of struggle—it’s a reflection on growth, told through the lens of emotional intelligence.

  • Analysis shows that many students from Bangladesh are enrolled in Danish universities

    Analysis shows that many students from Bangladesh are enrolled in Danish universities

    Earlier this year, the Danish government changed the law on access for people from third world countries to the Danish labor market. Yet, there may still be a shortcut that goes through universities

  • Danish Flower company accused of labor abuse in Türkiye

    Danish Flower company accused of labor abuse in Türkiye

    Queen Company, a Denmark-origin flower producer with pristine sustainability credentials, is under fire for alleged labor rights violations at its Turkish operation, located in Dikili, İzmir. Workers in the large greenhouse facility have been calling decent work conditions for weeks. The Copenhagen Post gathered testimonies from the workers to better understand the situation

  • Advice for expats: Navigating Life as an International in Denmark

    Advice for expats: Navigating Life as an International in Denmark

    Beginning this month, Expat Counselling will be contributing a monthly article to The Copenhagen Post, offering guidance, tools, and reflections on the emotional and social aspects of international life in Denmark. The first column is about Strategies for emotional resilience

  • New agreement criticized for not attracting enough internationals

    New agreement criticized for not attracting enough internationals

    Several mayors and business leaders across Denmark are not satisfied with the agreement that the government, the trade union movement and employers made last week. More internationals are needed than the agreement provides for

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    Describing herself as a “DEI poster child,” being queer, neurodivergent and an international in Denmark didn’t stop Laurence Paquette from climbing the infamous corporate ladder to become Marketing Vice President (VP) at Vestas. Arrived in 2006 from Quebec, Laurence Paquette unpacks the implications of exposing your true self at work, in a country that lets little leeway for individuality

  • Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Agreement between unions and employers allows more foreign workers in Denmark under lower salary requirements, with new ID card rules and oversight to prevent social dumping and ensure fair conditions.

  • New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    Kadre Darman was founded this year to support foreign-trained healthcare professionals facing challenges with difficult authorisation processes, visa procedures, and language barriers, aiming to help them find jobs and contribute to Denmark’s healthcare system

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs