The Finnish government has officially moved to dismantle its state-run gambling monopoly with the submission of legislative proposal HE 16/2025.
This critical document sets the stage for a fully licensed and competitive market, fundamentally altering how gambling services are provided in the country.
The proposal mandates a comprehensive restructuring of the sector, introducing a dual-licensing system that covers both consumer-facing operators and software suppliers.
Under the new framework, the market will open to private competition through the Gambling Game License. This license will authorize B2C operators to offer online casino games, bingo, and betting services.
The application process is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with licenses granted for five-year terms subject to a 22% tax on revenue.
In a strict move to ensure supply chain integrity, the bill also introduces a Game Software License, which requires B2B suppliers to obtain authorization. By 2028, operators will be legally prohibited from using software from unlicensed providers.
To comply with European competition standards, the current state monopoly, Veikkaus Oy, will be legally unbundled.
The company will be split into two distinct entities: one will retain the exclusive rights to the national lottery and land-based slot machines, while the other will compete directly with private firms in the online space.
A new supervisory authority, funded by industry fees, will be established to oversee this transitioned market and ensure fair play.
