The European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA) has expressed its support for Finland’s recently announced legislative project to establish a licensed framework for online gambling by 2026. EGBA views this as a significant step toward reforming Finland’s exclusive monopoly regime and believes that the implementation of a multi-licensing system will lead to increased tax revenues, fairer competition, and enhanced oversight. The association also emphasizes the importance of player protection in the government’s objectives. EGBA looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Finnish government and local stakeholders regarding the regulatory developments.
In a report published earlier this year, it was found that there is widespread support for regulated gambling in Finland. The legislative project aims to draft necessary proposals for the reformation of the gambling system, covering issues such as the inclusion of gambling activities, license fees, taxation, safer gambling rules, prevention of gambling-related harm, and advertising regulation. The project is set to conclude in December 2025, with a legislative proposal expected to be published in spring 2025. While state-owned Veikkaus will lose its monopoly in online casino games and online betting, it will retain its status for the lottery and retail slot machines. Veikkaus has expressed its support for the reform, despite the anticipated job losses.
