Is Gambling Legal in Finland? Laws & Regulations Explained 2025

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Ministry of the Interior

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Regulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Regulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

Finland is transitioning from a state monopoly to a licensing system for online gambling, expected by 2027.
Currently, state-owned Veikkaus holds exclusive rights to most gambling, but this will end for online betting and slots.
Veikkaus will retain its monopoly on lotteries, scratch cards, land-based slot machines, and casinos.
Private and international operators will be able to apply for Finnish online gambling licenses under the new regime.
Mandatory identity verification and strict responsible gaming measures will apply to all licensed operators.
Influencer marketing for gambling will be banned, and the most addictive games will face tighter controls.
The reform aims to reduce gambling harm and redirect play from unregulated foreign sites to licensed Finnish operators.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The legal framework governing gambling in Finland is primarily established by the Finnish Lotteries Act (Arpajaislaki), which serves as the central piece of legislation for all forms of gambling. The Lotteries Act defines and regulates games of chance, lotteries, betting, casino games, and slot machines. This law sets the basis for the organization, supervision, and control of gambling activities, aiming to prevent gambling-related harm, ensure the reliability of games, and secure the proper use of gambling proceeds for the public good. Currently, the Finnish gambling market operates under a state monopoly system, with Veikkaus Oy holding exclusive rights to most gambling activities, including lotteries, betting, and casino games. However, a significant legislative reform is underway. In March 2025, the Finnish government submitted a new gambling reform bill to Parliament. If enacted, this legislation will end Veikkaus’ monopoly over online sports betting and digital slot machines, introducing a licensing regime for private and international operators in these sectors. Veikkaus would retain its monopoly on lottery draws, scratch cards, and land-based slot machines and casinos. The reform aims to redirect gambling to regulated channels and enhance consumer protection through mandatory identity verification and other responsible gambling measures.

Regulatory Authority

The primary regulatory oversight of gambling in Finland is exercised by the Ministry of the Interior, which is responsible for the overall supervision and enforcement of gambling legislation. The Ministry ensures compliance with the Lotteries Act and oversees the implementation of gambling policy, including the prevention of gambling-related harm and the integrity of gambling operations.

Supervising compliance with gambling laws and regulations
Monitoring and controlling the activities of licensed operators (under the current and proposed future framework)
Implementing and updating responsible gambling measures
Overseeing the allocation and use of gambling proceeds for public benefit

Other relevant authorities may include the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, which monitors market practices and consumer protection aspects related to gambling, especially in the context of the ongoing regulatory reform.

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses in Finland

As of April 2025, Finland is in the process of reforming its gambling licensing system. The current regime is a state monopoly, but a new licensing framework is expected to take effect by January 2027. The forthcoming system will introduce the following main license types:

Online Casino License – For operators offering online casino games such as slots, table games, and live dealer products.
Online Sports Betting License – For operators providing online sports betting services.
Retail and Land-Based Gambling License – Remains under the exclusive control of Veikkaus for lottery, scratch cards, retail slot machines, and land-based casinos.

International and private operators will be eligible to apply for online casino and sports betting licenses. The monopoly for lotteries, scratch cards, and retail gaming will remain with the state-owned Veikkaus.

Application Process

Application Start Date: Applications for new licenses are expected to open from January 2026, with the new system operational by January 2027.
Application Submission: Prospective licensees must submit detailed documentation, including business structure, responsible gambling measures, technical standards, and financial stability.
Regulatory Authority: The new regulatory body (to be confirmed in the final legislation) will oversee the application review, background checks, and compliance assessment.
Assessment Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on operator integrity, financial capacity, technical security, and player protection protocols.

License Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility

Renewal Conditions: Renewal will require demonstration of continued compliance with all regulatory requirements, responsible gambling measures, and payment of renewal fees.
Eligibility: Both domestic and international operators can apply, provided they meet the regulatory and financial requirements and have no criminal background related to gambling or financial crimes.

Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

Application Fees: Operators will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The precise amount will be set in secondary legislation but is expected to be in line with other Nordic markets (potentially tens of thousands of euros).
Annual License Fees: Licensed operators will pay annual fees, the amount of which will depend on the scale and type of operations.
Financial Guarantees: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, provide proof of solvency, and may be required to post a financial guarantee or bond to cover potential liabilities.

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

Responsible Gambling Measures: Operators must implement robust responsible gambling tools, including player identification, self-exclusion, deposit limits, and mandatory age verification.
Technical Standards: All gambling platforms must meet stringent technical and security standards, including regular audits and certification.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Compliance with Finnish and EU AML regulations is mandatory.
Reporting Obligations: Licensed operators must submit regular reports on gambling activity, player protection, and financial transactions.
Advertising and Marketing: Operators must adhere to strict marketing guidelines, including bans on influencer marketing and restrictions on advertising to vulnerable groups.
Ongoing Compliance: Continuous compliance with all regulatory requirements is essential to maintain the license. Breaches can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license.

Summary Table: Finnish Gambling Licensing System (2027 Onwards)

License Type	Available To	Application Period	Duration	Estimated Fees
Online Casino	Private & International Operators	From Jan 2026	5-10 years	TBD (expected tens of thousands €)
Online Sports Betting	Private & International Operators	From Jan 2026	5-10 years	TBD (expected tens of thousands €)
Lottery, Scratch Cards, Retail Slots & Casinos	State Monopoly (Veikkaus)	N/A	Exclusive	N/A

The final details of the licensing system, including exact fees and regulatory procedures, will be set out in secondary legislation following parliamentary approval of the reform bill. Operators interested in entering the Finnish market should monitor regulatory updates and prepare for a rigorous application and compliance process.

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Finland

Finland is currently transitioning from a state gambling monopoly to a partial licensing system. Under the monopoly system, the main operator (Veikkaus) is subject to a gambling tax rate of 12% on gross gaming revenue (GGR) from 2024 onwards. However, with the introduction of the new licensing regime, the proposed tax rate for licensed commercial gambling operators will be 22% of GGR. This rate applies to various forms of online gambling, including fixed-odds betting, pari-mutuel betting, online casino games, online e-bingo, and online slots.

Operator Type	Tax Rate	Tax Base
Veikkaus (Monopoly Operator)	12%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Licensed Commercial Operators (from 2027)	22%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)

Basis for Taxation

Taxation for both monopoly and licensed operators is based on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), defined as the total amount wagered by players minus the winnings paid out.

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

Operators are required to calculate and report their GGR for the relevant tax period.
Tax must be declared and paid according to schedules set by the Finnish Tax Administration. The exact reporting frequency and deadlines will be specified in the implementing regulations for the new licensing system.
Licensed operators will also be subject to an annual supervision fee, which is calculated based on GGR and ranges from EUR 4,000 to EUR 265,000, depending on the operator’s revenue.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

There are currently no specific tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators under the proposed licensing system.
Winnings from licensed operators remain tax-free for players, ensuring the attractiveness of the regulated market.
Unlicensed operators are not permitted to offer services to Finnish residents, and enforcement measures such as payment blocking are in place to support compliance.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for all forms of gambling in Finland is 18 years.
Mandatory identity verification applies to all gambling activities, both online and land-based. Players must provide valid identification to participate, ensuring underage individuals are prevented from accessing gambling services.
Identity checks are required at the point of registration and before any gambling transactions, including purchasing lottery tickets, playing slot machines, or accessing online gambling accounts.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

Certain gambling activities remain prohibited or restricted. Veikkaus retains exclusive rights to operate lotteries, scratch cards, and land-based slot machines and casinos.
Some of the most addictive forms of gambling, such as online casinos and digital slot machines, are subject to strict regulation and may only be offered by licensed operators under the new framework.
Unlicensed gambling operations and participation in unauthorized gambling platforms are prohibited.
Influencer marketing of gambling services is explicitly banned under the new rules.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Gambling advertising is tightly regulated to minimize exposure, especially to minors and vulnerable groups.
Influencer marketing and any form of advertising that targets minors or exploits vulnerable individuals are strictly prohibited.
Marketing communications must include clear information about the risks associated with gambling and promote responsible gambling behaviors.
Operators are required to avoid misleading or aggressive advertising tactics and must not suggest that gambling is a solution to financial problems or a path to social success.

Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

Operators must implement robust responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion options, deposit and loss limits, and reality checks for players.
Mandatory information about gambling risks, support services, and tools for self-control must be easily accessible to all players.
Regular monitoring of player behavior is required to detect signs of problem gambling, with interventions and support offered when necessary.
Operators must ensure that all player data is protected and that privacy is maintained according to strict data protection standards.
There are requirements for collaboration with health and social services to provide support for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Land-based gambling venues, including casinos and slot machine locations, are geographically restricted and may only operate in approved locations under Veikkaus’ monopoly.
Online gambling services are only accessible to individuals physically located within Finland and who have completed mandatory identification checks.
Cross-border gambling operations without a Finnish license are prohibited, and access to unauthorized foreign gambling websites may be restricted.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1938	Finland establishes its first state gambling monopoly with the founding of Oy Tippaustoimisto AB, later known as Veikkaus, to operate betting games.
1966	The Lotteries Act is enacted, consolidating state control over lotteries and other games of chance.
1970	RAY (Finland’s Slot Machine Association) is granted exclusive rights to operate slot machines and casino games in Finland.
2001	The Lotteries Act is comprehensively updated to strengthen the state monopoly and introduce new responsible gambling measures.
2017	Veikkaus, RAY, and Fintoto (the three state gambling operators) are merged into a single state-owned company, Veikkaus Oy, consolidating all gambling operations under one entity.
2023	The Finnish government announces plans to reform the gambling monopoly and consider a licensing model for online gambling.
2024	Draft legislation to end Veikkaus' monopoly in online gambling is submitted to the European Commission and then to the Finnish Parliament for review.
2025	Parliamentary process begins for a major gambling reform bill to introduce a licensing system for online gambling and end Veikkaus’ monopoly in key online sectors by 2027.
2027 (planned)	New licensing system for online gambling scheduled to come into effect, opening the market to private operators and ending Veikkaus’ monopoly in online sports betting and casino games.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

All gambling software and systems used by operators must undergo independent testing and certification to ensure fairness, randomness, and compliance with Finnish technical standards.
Random Number Generators (RNGs) must be certified by approved testing laboratories to guarantee unbiased game outcomes.
Gaming platforms must be designed to prevent manipulation, unauthorized access, and ensure secure data transmission using industry-standard encryption protocols.
Operators are required to implement robust technical controls for system integrity, including regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
Technical interfaces for player identification, payment processing, and game management must comply with Finnish regulatory requirements for interoperability and security.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

Operators must comply with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Finnish data protection laws, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of player data.
Personal and sensitive data must be stored securely, with access restricted to authorized personnel only and protected by strong authentication controls.
All player data, including transaction and gameplay records, must be stored on servers located within the European Economic Area (EEA) or in jurisdictions approved by Finnish authorities for adequate data protection.
Operators must implement procedures for data breach notification, data minimization, and regular privacy impact assessments.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

Operators are required to establish and maintain comprehensive AML programs in accordance with Finnish and EU AML directives.
Mandatory KYC procedures include verifying the identity, age, and residence of all players before allowing access to gambling services.
Operators must monitor transactions for suspicious activity, implement risk-based customer due diligence, and report any suspicious transactions to the Finnish Financial Intelligence Unit without delay.
Enhanced due diligence is required for high-risk customers and large transactions, with ongoing monitoring of player behavior and source of funds.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all financial transactions, player accounts, and gaming activities in accordance with Finnish accounting standards.
Regular financial reports and operational data must be submitted to the Finnish gambling regulator for oversight and compliance monitoring.
Operators are subject to periodic independent audits of their financial operations, technical systems, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
All records, including player activity logs and financial documentation, must be securely retained for a minimum period specified by Finnish law, typically five years or more.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators must integrate technical tools that enable players to set deposit, loss, and session limits before gambling activity begins.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available and technically enforced across all platforms, with immediate effect upon player request.
Mandatory identity verification is required for all forms of gambling to prevent underage access and enhance player protection.
Real-time monitoring systems must be in place to detect and intervene in cases of risky or harmful gambling behavior, including automated alerts and responsible gambling messaging.
Operators must provide clear, accessible information on responsible gambling and support services, integrated within the gaming interface and available at all times.

Sources

Primary Regulatory Authorities

Finnish Police Board – Gambling Administration - Official regulatory authority overseeing gambling activities in Finland
Veikkaus Oy - State-owned gambling operator (monopoly for lotteries, scratch cards, land-based casinos, and slot machines)

Legislation Resources

Finlex Data Bank - Official database for Finnish legislation (search for "Lotteries Act" and other gambling-related laws)
Finnish Government - Official site for government press releases and regulatory updates
Parliament of Finland - Official portal for legislative proceedings and bills (including gambling law reforms)

Contact Information

Finnish Police Board – Gambling Administration Email: arpajaishallinto@poliisi.fi Phone: +358 295 480 121 Address: P.O. Box 22, FI-00521 Helsinki, Finland