Finland’s parliament has formally approved legislation that restructures the country’s gambling system, clearing the final parliamentary hurdle for a shift toward a licence-based online market. The vote ends the long-standing monopoly model for major online gambling products and sets out a phased timeline for implementation over the next two years.
The amended bill passed with strong parliamentary backing after earlier proposals from opposition parties failed to gain traction. Those proposals included tighter marketing limits and an increase in the legal gambling age from 18 to 20, both of which lawmakers rejected before the final vote. The legislation now requires confirmation by the Finnish president, who is expected to sign it into law before the end of the year.
Once enacted, the law will come into force in January 2026. From 1 March 2026, gambling companies will be able to apply for licences to operate in Finland. Jari Vähänen of Finnish Gambling Consultants has said the approval provides long-awaited clarity for the sector after months of uncertainty surrounding the parliamentary process.
Legislative path and delays
The reform process began in July 2024, when the Ministry of the Interior prepared an initial iGaming proposal? and opened it to public consultation. After gathering feedback from industry stakeholders and other interested parties, the bill was presented to parliament in March this year.
During early parliamentary discussions, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen outlined the core objective of the proposal, stating: “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 broad political support existed for changing the gambling system, the bill moved more slowly than expected. Industry representatives had initially anticipated approval by mid-year, but committee reviews and constitutional concerns extended the timetable.
Operators prepare for competition
Despite the drawn-out legislative process, gambling operators have already started preparing for increased competition. Veikkaus, the state-owned operator, has been restructuring parts of its business to compete in the future licence-based market. The company has invested in new personnel and technology, including a recent move of its betting platform to OpenBet. Jarkko Nordlund, EVP for iCasino and sports betting at Veikkaus, has expressed confidence that the operator will maintain a solid market position after liberalisation.
Private operators have also followed developments closely. Joel Hakamies, general manager for Finland and Estonia at FDJ United/Kindred, said the overall outlook remains encouraging, commenting: “It’s looking fairly good for the big picture. Overall it’s been fairly positive from our view.” He added that clearer timelines would assist investment planning, saying: “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.”
New Gambling Act framework
In parallel, parliament approved a new Gambling Act that defines how competition will be introduced. Veikkaus will lose exclusivity over betting, online slots, and online casino games in the summer of 2027, while retaining sole rights to lotteries, scratch cards, and land-based machines. Licensed operations in the competitive market are scheduled to begin on 1 July 2027.
Oversight will move from the National Police Board to a new Licensing and Supervisory Authority.
Source:
“Finland iGaming bill passes final hurdle in parliament, law to take effect in January”, igamingbusiness.com, December 16, 2025
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