Finnish Lawmakers Prepare to Debate Gambling Reforms

Finland is one of the last European countries to operate gambling under a monopoly model. This framework has been broadly critiqued by industry stakeholders and lawmakers alike, urging the country to introduce changes.

As the reform efforts continue, parliament members prepare to debate the proposed changes.

The Changes Have Been Considered for a While  

Set to take place on February 12, the debate will see lawmakers discuss changes to Finland’s regulatory framework and proposals that would pave the way to the creation of a new Gambling Act. The reforms seek to create a regulated commercial market, in line with most of the European Union members.

Many have argued that these reforms would benefit the Finnish economy, creating a competitive space and generating more money in taxes. Supporters of the changes have also noted that the monopoly model is becoming outdated and unsuited for the modern market.

As offshore gaming continues to compete with legal operators, many also highlighted the importance of having an attractive regulated market with high channelization rates and preventing money from disappearing into the pockets of unregulated foreign companies. Offshore gaming is furthermore associated with higher risks of harm, unlike competitive markets, which tend to encourage safe and responsible play.

As a result, launching a framework based on gambling licenses would not only be beneficial to the economy but to public health too.

Lawmakers Will Discuss the Future of Gaming

The parliament debate will see lawmakers go over all of the aforementioned points and discuss how to proceed. The meeting will reportedly include a presentation by PM Patteri Orpo, who has been closely involved with the process.

Opro’s cabinet previously spearheaded changes to the handling of proceeds from the Veikkaus. Whereas the money would previously fuel non-profit causes, it is now directed toward universal government income and government expenses.

The upcoming debate will last three hours as parliament members highlight all the potential benefits, problems and challenges that launching licensed gaming and ending Veikkaus’ monopoly would have.

Veikkaus, for context, assimilated Finland’s Slot Machine Association (RAY) and Fintoto in 2017, creating a singular monopoly. In 2024, Veikkaus said that it wouldn’t have problems with the launch of a licensed model. However, the monopoly noted that the shift toward a competitive market would necessitate certain business changes, forcing it to reduce its workforce and adapt to competition from other gaming companies.

In the best-case scenario for supporters of the reforms, the licensing framework might come into effect as soon as 2026.

Some Have Proposed Changes to the Legislation

In January, Lainsäädännön arviointineuvosto, an independent Legislative Review Council charged with evaluating the nation’s legislative proposals, released a study on the potential effects the proposed changes would have.

According to the council, a more saturated market and improved accessibility to gaming could result in higher problem gambling rates.

Because of that, Lainsäädännön arviointineuvosto proposed several changes to the draft legislation.