The Ministry of the Interior in Finland has introduced draft legislation for a comprehensive new gambling act aimed at restructuring the nation’s gambling industry. This initiative forms part of a broader governmental effort to replace Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly with a licensing framework that fosters competition in betting, online slot machines, and casino games.

Finland Proposes New Gambling Act: Ending Monopoly and Enhancing Regulation

Ending Monopoly and Facilitating Competition

At present, Veikkaus Oy holds an exclusive privilege to offer gambling services in Finland. Nonetheless, a significant portion of online gambling operates outside this regulated framework. The proposed legislation seeks to regulate these activities by enabling gambling companies to seek licenses from the Finnish Supervisory Agency.

Under the proposed system, specific games such as lottery games and scratch cards would continue to be exclusively licensed to Veikkaus Oy, ensuring a controlled environment within these specific sectors.

Supervision and Enforcement Reforms

The draft legislation proposes substantial revisions to the supervision and regulation of gambling. A newly established Finnish Supervisory Agency would replace the National Police Board, empowered with enhanced authority to enforce laws. These measures include imposing fines, revoking licenses, and employing tools like network barring and payment blocking to effectively combat unlicensed gambling activities.

Safer Gambling Measures

The proposed act also introduces stringent regulations governing the advertising and marketing of gambling games, focusing on moderation and protecting minors and vulnerable individuals from exploitation. It mandates the creation of a centralized registry for self-imposed gambling bans and requires rigorous registration and identity verification procedures for gamblers.

Implementation Timeline

The reforms are slated to be implemented in phases. Applications for gambling licenses are anticipated to commence in early 2026, with licensed operations potentially commencing by early 2027, subject to approval and execution phases.

Conclusion: The New Gambling Act

Finland’s proposed new gambling act signifies a significant shift towards a more competitive and regulated gambling environment. By dismantling Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly and establishing a licensing system, the government aims to bolster consumer protection, mitigate gambling-related harm, and channel demand into a supervised framework. The legislation also sets a precedent for stricter oversight, enforcement, and responsible gambling initiatives, underscoring Finland’s commitment to maintaining a balanced and safe gambling landscape.

FAQs About Finland’s Proposed New Gambling Act

1. What is the purpose of Finland’s proposed new gambling act?

The proposed legislation aims to reform Finland’s gambling sector by replacing Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly with a licensing system that allows for competition in betting, online slot machines, and casino games.

2. Who currently holds the exclusive right to offer gambling games in Finland?

Veikkaus Oy currently holds the exclusive privilege to provide gambling services in Finland.

3. How does the proposed legislation address online gambling outside the regulated framework?

The legislation seeks to regulate online gambling by allowing gambling companies to apply for licenses from the Finnish Supervisory Agency.

4. Will Veikkaus Oy continue to have exclusive rights under the proposed system?

Yes, certain games such as lottery games and scratch cards will remain under an exclusive license held by Veikkaus Oy to maintain a controlled environment within those specific sectors.

5. What are the key supervision and enforcement reforms proposed in the draft legislation?

The draft legislation proposes establishing a new Finnish Supervisory Agency with enhanced powers to enforce gambling laws, including fines, license revocations, and measures like network barring and payment blocking to combat unlicensed gambling effectively.

6. What safer gambling measures are included in the proposed act?

The proposed act introduces strict rules for advertising and marketing of gambling games to ensure moderation and protect minors and vulnerable individuals. It mandates a centralized register for self-imposed gambling bans and requires robust registration and identity verification procedures for gamblers.

7. When will the reforms be implemented?

The reforms are planned to be implemented in stages. Applications for gambling licenses are expected to begin in early 2026, with licensed operations potentially starting by early 2027, subject to approval and implementation phases.

8. What is the goal of Finland’s new gambling act regarding consumer protection?

The legislation aims to enhance consumer protection, reduce gambling-related harm, and ensure a balanced and safe gambling environment through stricter supervision, enforcement, and responsible gambling measures.