By January 2026, Finland plans to abandon its long-standing monopoly arrangement and change its online gaming environment. Licensed businesses in online gaming and sports betting will now compete with the state-owned operator Veikkaus. With the goal of improving player choice and market dynamics, this move represents a substantial shift in the Finnish gaming sector.
Clarity on Horseracing Betting Regulations
The new rules’ treatment of horse racing betting has been one source of ambiguity. Veikkaus used to be the only person in charge of overseeing horse racing betting. In a recent statement, the Ministry of the Interior reiterated its stance, promising that state funds will continue to support the growth and breeding of the horse racing industry. The ministry emphasized, “In the future, through the state budget, support will be allocated to breeding, horse industry operator-specific advice and the development of the competition system.”
The Ministry confirmed that the launch date for the open sector remains January 1, 2026. They stated, “Finland’s gambling system will be reformed and opened to competition with a license model no later than 1 January 2026.” This commitment underscores the Finnish government’s intent to modernize its gambling framework.
Regulatory Review Process and Timeline
As part of the regulatory process, Finland has submitted its proposed changes to the European Commission (EC). The Ministry explained, “The purpose of the procedure is to get possible feedback from the Commission and other EU member states on the proposal’s consistency with EU legislation and the principles of free movement.” This step is crucial for ensuring that the new regulations align with broader EU standards.
The Finnish government plans to present its final proposal to parliament during the spring session of 2025. Initially, a full market launch was anticipated for January 2027, but recent discussions suggest that the legislation could receive approval sooner. Kuismanen mentioned, “We will likely have the law approved [by parliament] before midsummer (June 2025).”
This upcoming transformation in Finland’s gambling industry not only aims to enhance competition but also to provide a clearer structure for stakeholders involved in the gambling ecosystem. As the countdown to January 2026 begins, the Finnish government is committed to navigating the complexities of this significant reform, paving the way for a more dynamic gambling environment.
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