The Finnish Parliament has officially approved a groundbreaking new Gambling Act, signaling the end of the long-standing state monopoly held by Veikkaus.
The landmark reform will transition Finland to a partially open, license-based commercial market scheduled for a full roll-out on July 1, 2027.
A Paradigm Shift for the Nordics
Under the new regime, Veikkaus will lose its exclusive rights to online betting, slot machines, and casino games. However, it will retain control over lottery games, scratch cards, and physical slot terminals. The application window for B2C licenses is set to open on March 1, 2026, allowing international operators to compete on a level playing field for the first time.
Industry experts anticipate a high-volume launch, predicting up to 50 license holders by mid-2027. Interest is exceptionally high due to Finland’s mature gaming culture, surveys indicate roughly 70% of adults participate in some form of gambling annually.
The Channelling Objective
Veikkaus Deputy CEO Velipekka Nummikoski emphasized that the move is essential for consumer protection in the new Finnish Gambling Act.
“As much as 600–900 million euros is played annually outside the official system… The model we have been awaiting will improve the possibilities to channel gaming into legal offerings.”
Supervision of the market will transfer from the National Police Board to a new Licensing and Supervisory Authority. While foreign competitors will be welcomed, they must adhere to strict Finnish standards for responsible gambling and advertising. Veikkaus has already restructured its operations to compete as a commercial entity within this new, liberalized landscape.
