Finland has taken another major step toward opening its gambling market by releasing a set of draft regulations that will underpin the country’s new licensing regime. The proposals have been sent out for consultation as authorities continue preparations for the transition away from the long-standing state monopoly system.
The draft measures are designed to support the new Gambling Act, which was approved by parliament in December 2025 and formally signed into law in January 2026. Under the reform, Finland will introduce a licensing framework for online betting, online casino games, online slots and certain other digital gambling products, while lottery products and some land-based activities will remain under the control of state-owned operator Veikkaus Oy.
The Ministry of the Interior said the newly published draft decrees focus on the practical rules needed to implement the legislation. These regulations will help define how gambling products are operated, supervised and monitored once the competitive market launches. The consultation process allows industry stakeholders and other interested parties to provide feedback before the rules are finalized.
Finland’s reform aims to increase channelisation by encouraging players to use regulated operators while also strengthening consumer protection measures. The new framework includes requirements related to responsible gambling, player identification, anti-money laundering controls and the prevention of gambling-related harm. Marketing restrictions will also remain a key part of the system.
Licensing applications opened on 1 March 2026 through the National Police Board, with licensed operators expected to begin offering services from 1 July 2027. Oversight responsibilities will later transfer to Finland’s new supervisory authority, which will regulate the competitive market after its launch.
The publication of the draft regulations marks an important phase in Finland’s gambling liberalisation programme, giving operators greater clarity on the rules that will govern one of Europe’s most closely watched emerging regulated markets.