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Finland signs Gambling Act introducing online betting licences in 2027

Regulation

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb signed the Gambling Act on 16 January 2026, setting a licensing system for online betting, slots and casino games to begin on 1 July 2027. Companies can apply to the National Police Board from 1 March 2026, while Veikkaus retains exclusivity over lottery-type products and certain land-based offerings; the EGBA said the change completes the EU’s shift towards multi-licensing.

Operators can apply from March 2026 for access to online betting, slots and casino markets scheduled to open in July 2027.

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Regulation

Finland's online gambling rules raise channelisation concerns

Finland's regulated online gambling market is due to open in July 2027 under the Finnish Gambling Act, ending state-owned Veikkaus' exclusive rights to online casino games and sports betting. A Helsinki Times op-ed questioned whether tough responsible gambling measures, including restrictions on marketing and bonuses, will keep licensed offerings attractive, citing Sweden's experience since 2019. Sweden's regulator Spelinspektionen has itself suggested its 90 per cent channelisation target may have been overly ambitious.

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