Finland publishes new Gambling Act following presidential approval

Summary

The Finnish Gambling Act was formally published after President Alexander Stubb signed it on 16 January, completing parliamentary approval from December. The Act overhauls Finland’s gambling framework with the stated aims of safeguarding players, preventing crime and reducing gambling‑related harm.

The law establishes a dual‑licensing model: a limited number of exclusive licences (maximum two) reserved for state‑controlled companies covering lotteries, betting, slot machines and casino games, and open gambling licences that may be granted to private operators for defined categories (fixed‑odds and variable‑odds betting, electronic casino games, virtual betting and electronic slot machine games). Gaming software suppliers are brought under a separate licensing regime, with strict prohibitions on unlicensed software.

Player protections are significantly strengthened: mandatory player registration and identity verification, personal gaming accounts, residency checks restricting electronic gambling to permanent residents, pre‑set daily and monthly transfer limits and enhanced self‑exclusion tools. Credit‑based gambling, free games and aggressive discounting are broadly prohibited; only tightly regulated bonus play is permitted under defined conditions.

Marketing and advertising are tightly constrained: moderation in scope and frequency, wide bans on content targeting minors or vulnerable people, restrictions on portraying gambling as a solution to problems, and heavy limits on direct marketing and sponsorships in youth contexts.

Supervision transfers to a new National Supervisory Authority with powers to inspect operators, impose administrative fines and order removal of unlawful online content. Penalty payments can reach up to 4% of turnover (capped at €5m); individuals may face fines between €3,000 and €40,000. Licence fees and annual supervision charges will be scaled according to gaming margins.

Selected chapters, including licensing preparations and international cooperation rules, take effect from 1 March 2026. Most provisions enter on 1 July 2027. The National Police Board will act as the competent authority until mid‑2027 to facilitate the transition.

Key Points

Act published following presidential signature on 16 January; Parliament approved the reforms in December 2025.
Dual‑licensing model: up to two exclusive state licences and open licences for private operators across specified game types.
Separate supplier licensing and bans on unlicensed gaming software.
Stronger player protections: mandatory ID, personal accounts, residency checks, transfer limits and self‑exclusion.
Broad prohibitions on credit‑based gambling, free games and aggressive discounting; strict controls on advertising and direct marketing.
New National Supervisory Authority with enforcement powers and financial penalties (up to 4% of turnover, max €5m); individual fines €3k–€40k.
Implementation timeline: some chapters from 1 March 2026; most from 1 July 2027; transitional oversight by the National Police Board until mid‑2027.

Why should I read this?

Look — if you work in iGaming, compliance, payments, product or marketing, this is a big deal. It tightens checks, slams down on bonuses and ads, and hands serious teeth to regulators. Read it so you know what to change and when to avoid fines and disruption.