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Finland signs Gambling Act to open online betting market in 2027

Regulation

President Alexander Stubb signed Finland’s Gambling Act, ending the state gambling monopoly and allowing operators to apply for licences from 1 March. The competitive online market is expected to open on 1 July 2027; Veikkaus will retain its lottery and physical slot-machine monopoly while competing online.

Operators can apply for licences from 1 March, ahead of the planned opening of Finland’s competitive online market 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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