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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.
EU General Court rejects Veikkaus appeal over gaming trademark
The EU General Court rejected Veikkaus Oy’s appeal on 1 July 2026, upholding the EUIPO’s refusal to register “FOR BETTER GAMING – VEIKKAUS” for most of the requested services. The court found the phrase lacked inherent distinctiveness for gambling-related services, where it would be understood as a promotional message rather than an indicator of commercial origin.
Veikkaus sets age-based gambling loss thresholds in Finland
Veikkaus introduced age-based loss checkpoints and annual limits in Finland on 9 June, the company said. Players aged 18 to 19 face an annual limit of €8,000, while those aged 20 to 24 face a €24,000 limit; customers reaching checkpoints must speak with a company specialist before continuing. The rules exclude slot machines and table games at Casino Helsinki.
Finnish parties debate sale of state gambling operator Veikkaus
Finnish political parties are divided over whether the state should sell Veikkaus as the country prepares to open online gambling to competition on 1 July 2027. The state-owned operator is being split between monopoly products and online gambling and B2B activities; a former executive estimated its value at €4.5bn. Some opposition parties are open to a sale, while the Left Alliance opposes one and governing parties remain cautious.
Finnish MP Jouni Ovaska calls for political betting ban
Finnish Center Party MP Jouni Ovaska called for restrictions on political betting as Finland prepares to move away from Veikkaus’ monopoly, reportedly. He said officials and their associates should be barred from participating, citing concerns that financial interests in political outcomes could undermine trust in democratic institutions.