Finland saw room for improvement and went to work making changes. Now, the country plans to roll out new safety regulations for the online gambling and betting industry, hoping to keep players safe and tax dollars within the country. With the upcoming changes, the government expects to see a reduced number of fraud cases and improved player experiences. Anyone with an interest in online betting and gambling should take the time to learn more about the upcoming changes and how they affect their playing experiences. We’ll provide more insight into the changes and what you can expect in this blog post.
Online Gambling & Betting Changes in Finland
Finland hopes changes in its online gambling and betting regulations will help keep tax dollars local and provide players more exciting opportunities. The upcoming changes are expected to include those listed below.
The End of State-Run Monopoly
The current system in Finland relies on a state-run monopoly called Velkkaus for online sports betting and online casinos. The upcoming overhaul changes this by the end of 2026, ending the monopoly crisis that has evolved. Licensed private operators can launch online casino games and sports betting sites. Velkaus will not disappear completely, and will still control all rights to scratch cards, land-based casinos, and scratch cards.
A New Licensing System
A new, two-part licensing system is in the works. This business model includes:
- B2B licenses for software providers, including gambling platforms and payment systems.
- B2C licenses for gambling companies, including casino and slot games, bingo, and sports betting.
Finland will open its application system online in January 2026, with expectations to receive thousands of requests. New licensed play is slated to begin in 2027, once applications have been approved and platforms have time to set up. By early 2028, existing platforms that have not applied for a license will be off the market. Only regulated operators can enter the market at this time.
A Four-Year Roadmap to Success
Finland has phased out a four-year roadmap in which it will roll out its updated gambling regulations and rules. It started in mid-2024 when the country released the draft bill and provided a feedback period where consumers could voice their thoughts or concerns. In phase two, which is expected to happen in spring 2025, the bill is likely to go before the Parliament. In phase three, scheduled for early 2026, private operators can begin applying for licenses. Please note that fees apply for all license applications and must be paid at the time of submission. The fourth phase occurs in late 2026 when Vekkaus’s online monopoly ends. In January 2027, all licensed operators go live, and in 2028, only licensed software can operate on any Finnish gambling platform.
New Regulatory Body
One of the most anticipated changes within the gambling and betting industry is the individuals who will oversee things. Come 2026, a new licensing and supervisory body will take over for the National Police Board. Their role is regulating rules, handling ads, approving applications and licenses, setting responsible gambling standards, enacting punishments for violators, and shutting down unlicensed and unregulated gambling and betting sites.
Enhanced Player Protection
Player safety and protection are among the most important aspects of online gambling. Players must trust the gaming sites they play with, knowing they are honest, integral, and designed to keep them safe. Without these qualities, gaming sites lose credibility and players go elsewhere.
Finland wants players to feel safe and know they are protected while playing their favorite games or making online bets at licensed, heavily regulated gaming platforms.
Some companies use loopholes to help them exploit the system and participate in behaviors that can be perceived as harmful. The new changes will help kick violators out of the door.
Changes designed to protect players and enhance safety include:
- Mandatory age verification and identification checks
- Loss-tracking and self-exclusion tools
- Option to set deposit limits and time reminders
New players are entering the Finnish market , and the new safety features ensure that the right people use gambling sites and do not find themselves in debt or battling a gaming addiction.
Finland’s government believes specific tools can help identify risky behaviors amongst players and help avoid gambling addictions and accompanying problems. Websites will be required to implement and use tools designed to spot risky behavior so intervention can happen sooner.
Advertising Changes
Changes within the advertising realm of online gambling will also take effect. This includes tighter restrictions around ads that can be shown to players, a block on influencer marketing, and on public and outdoor ads. Websites can still advertise, but will face restrictions that help curb targeting of youth and vulnerable players.
Why is Finland Overhauling Online Gambling Regulations?
A large portion of Finnish gamblers play on offshore sites. An estimated 50% of gambling money leaves the regulated system and the country. Continuing to operate the online platforms using a monopoly is not ideal from a safety or financial standpoint. Finland believes the new regulations and small changes can help gamblers feel safe and more secure, leading them to spend their dollars on local sites. This boosts tax income and other benefits for the economy and gives players perks like:
- More platforms to choose from
- Low risk of fraud
- Detections set to protect vulnerable players
- Assurance that your money goes to licensed, regulated gaming outlets
- More excitement, more games, including Roulette, a top game for millions of people
Final Word
Individuals, stakeholders, gambling and betting platform owners, payment processors, and others with any interest in the online gambling and betting industry in Finland should brace themselves for the forthcoming changes. As the state monopoly ends, the country marks a new era in gambling, one bringing more choices, safer play, and regulations designed to protect players.