Finland to end gambling monopoly by January 2026
The Key Points in Brief
- Finland plans to relinquish its gambling monopoly by January 2026.
- Private operators will compete with the state-owned operator Veikkaus in the areas of online gambling and sports betting.
- The legislation is expected to be passed by June 2025.
- Horse racing betting will remain state-supported.
Finland Opens Up the Gambling Market
Finland is preparing to end its long-standing gambling monopoly. Starting in January 2026, private online gambling and sports betting operators will directly compete with the state-owned operator, Veikkaus. This decision marks a significant shift in Finland’s gambling sector, aiming to provide players with more choices and to enhance market competition.
Clarity on Horse Racing Betting
One area that caused some uncertainty was the regulation of horse racing betting. Up until now, Veikkaus had been solely responsible for this sector. However, in a recent statement, the Ministry of the Interior clarified that state support for the horse racing industry will continue. This includes financial backing for breeding, advisory services for horse industry operators, and the further development of the competition system. These measures are set to remain in place even after the market opens up.
Regulatory Process and Timeline
To ensure that the new regulations align with European standards, Finland has submitted its proposals to the European Commission (EC). The goal of this process is to receive feedback from the Commission and other EU member states. The Finnish government plans to present its final proposal to Parliament in the spring of 2025. Initially, the full market entry was planned for January 2027, but recent discussions suggest that the law could be passed before the summer of 2025.
Our Assessment
The planned opening of Finland’s gambling market is a significant step that offers new opportunities for both players and operators. For players, this means more options and potentially better offers, while operators will benefit from the chance to enter a previously closed market. The clear regulation of horse racing betting shows that the government remains committed to maintaining a stable structure in this area. Overall, Finland appears well-prepared for this transition, and the timely passage of the legislation could pave the way for a smooth shift.
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