Project to implement the gambling system reform

The Ministry of Finance is preparing to implement the licencing and supervision functions of the new gambling system. The project is part of ensuring that activities governed by the new gambling system can be launched in stages from the start of 2026.

The project implements the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government, which states that Finland’s gambling system will be partially opened to competition. The implementation project will lay the groundwork for launching the new licensing and supervision functions based on a legislative proposal of the Ministry of the Interior. The preparatory work will also take into account the legislative proposal concerning the reform of regional state administration.

Reform seeks to make licensed services the primary form of gambling

The new gambling system will open betting, online slot machines and online casino games to competition. The system is based on licences that gambling operators will be able to apply for from the start of 2026. Applications will be submitted to the National Police Board of Finland. Actual gambling services will be launched at the beginning of 2027, which is when the licensing and supervision functions will be transferred to the new Finnish Supervisory Agency.

After the reform, Veikkaus will retain the exclusive rights to money lotteries, pools, and physical slot machines and casino games.

The reform of the gambling system aims to prevent and reduce the health, financial and social harm caused by gambling. This would be achieved, for example, by channelling gambling to services that are regulated and supervised under the new gambling act.

The Finnish Supervisory Agency will supervise licenced gambling operators, for example, through technical monitoring means. The Finnish Supervisory Agency will also supervise compliance with marketing regulations. Supervision will also combat the provision and marketing of gambling services outside the system.

If an operator were to breach or neglect the obligations laid down in the new gambling act, the Finnish Supervisory Agency could order the cessation of illegal activities, impose an administrative fine or impose a penalty payment for more serious infractions. As a last resort, the authority could withdraw the operator's licence. 

Implementation project will ensure reform launches on schedule

The project to implement the new gambling system will ensure that: 

• the National Police Board has sufficient personnel and competence, the necessary information systems and other capabilities to receive and process licence applications as of the beginning of 2026; 
• the licencing and supervision of gambling services will be transferred from the National Police Board to the Finnish Supervisory Agency at the start of 2027;
• licences under the new gambling system will enter into force, all the necessary information systems will be complete and supervision will begin at the start of 2027.

The project will comply with the principles of good personnel policy when preparing the transition. 

The project’s term runs until the end of 2026.

Inquiries:

Tuula Lybeck, Project Manager, tel. +358 295 530 595, tuula.lybeck(at)gov.fi