Finland Opens Its Online Betting Market to Licensed Competition

Finland is opening its online betting and casino market to licensed competition in July 2027. With the regulation, the Veikkaus monopoly over betting and casino games will come to an end.

Finnish MP Sinuhe Wallinheimo explained the reasons for the reform at the SiGMA Rome event. According to Wallinheimo, a monopoly does not always mean control. In the digital world, a monopoly can even mean losing control. Finnish consumers were increasingly placing bets on international sites beyond the reach of Finnish authorities.

The MP stressed that the aim is not to promote gambling. The goal is to bring existing betting activity under national regulation, better protect consumers, and build a responsible, competitive market. Wallinheimo said Veikkaus itself supports the move to a licensing system. The monopoly was no longer able to fulfill its aim of protecting consumers from the harmful effects of gambling.

The licensing process is currently underway. Wallinheimo found the interest from international operators encouraging. He said this interest shows that Finland is seen as an attractive and reliable market. A strong digital economy, experienced consumers and a transparent regulatory environment were cited as factors that make the country stand out.