Finland is getting ready to end its gambling monopoly. Starting in 2026, private companies will be allowed to offer online betting and casino games under a new license system.
Veikkaus, the state-run operator, has had full control for years, but the government now wants to bring back players who’ve turned to offshore sites. The goal is simple: make the market safer, more transparent, and open to fair competition. With billions in play and new rules taking shape, both operators and users are facing big changes.
Finland Is Breaking Up the Gambling Monopoly
For decades, Veikkaus controlled nearly every form of gambling in Finland. From scratch cards to online slots, everything ran through one system, with the profits directed toward public services like sports and culture.
But as time went on, the cracks showed. Players started leaving for offshore sites, looking for more choice, better odds, and faster tech. As a result of that, Finland started losing over millions a year to these unregulated platforms.
That was the wake-up call. The Orpo government laid out a plan: keep Veikkaus in charge of the lottery and slot machines in stores, but open the online market to competition.
Finland is following the lead of countries like Sweden and Denmark, hoping to win back lost revenue and give users a safer, more modern experience.
How the New Licensing Rules Will Work
The new system splits the market into three main groups. Veikkaus stays in place for the long haul. That part of the system won’t change.
The second tier is where the big shake-up happens. Private operators will be able to apply for five-year licenses to offer online casino games, sports betting, and virtual betting. But this isn’t an open door for just anyone. Only companies based in the EEA can apply, and the bar is high. No history of bankruptcy or fraud, clean tax records, and no shady backgrounds for owners or leadership. Applicants also need to prove they have enough cash to cover operations and pay out players, backed by solid financials.
Then there’s the third group: software providers. These suppliers must work only with licensed operators, creating a controlled and traceable network. Game fairness, anti-fraud measures, and security will be reviewed before approval.
The goal is clear: allow healthy competition, but keep it clean and tightly monitored.
Smarter Habits in a Changing Gambling Scene
With the market opening up, players in Finland have more options, but also more responsibility. The new system sets clear rules: you need to be 18 or older, confirm your ID properly, and take control of how you play.
Tools like deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and time reminders are part of the setup, as well. If something feels off, there are clear ways to report it. Meanwhile, operators are watching from their end too, looking out for signs of risky behavior.
It’s worth staying alert. New platforms will keep entering the scene, promotions will shift, and payment options may change from month to month. If players are not keeping up, it’s easy to fall behind or miss something important. In a country like Finland, where regulation is taken seriously, staying informed means staying safe.
For this reason, many players will rely on platforms like kasinokaverit.com. These sites offer a quick way to scan what’s new, which operators are officially approved, and how each one stacks up in areas like bonuses, banking, and game variety. So, this will be a useful way to learn about industry updates once the changes start being implemented.
There Are Still Challenges to Be Addressed
The shift to a license-based model is a big step forward, but it won’t solve everything overnight. Unlicensed sites aren’t going to disappear just because new rules exist. Many still attract Finnish players with aggressive bonuses, looser limits, or simply out of habit, and these sites won’t follow the same safety rules or consumer protections.
There’s also the issue of player awareness. Not everyone follows regulatory news, and some may not even realize when they’re on an unlicensed platform. Education campaigns will be key here, making sure people know what’s legit and what’s not.
There are also ongoing tech challenges: keeping fraud out, stopping money laundering, and making sure software stays secure. These things require constant work.
The new system is built to be stronger, but that doesn’t make it bulletproof. Without solid enforcement and clear communication, some cracks could still slip through.
A New Era, If Done Right
Finland’s plan to change the gambling regulation is bold. But if things go according to plan, the country won’t just open the door to competition; it’ll reshape the way online gambling works at its core. Safer, smarter, and more transparent.
But the follow-through matters more than the blueprint. Rules are one thing; results are another. The real test will come as new platforms launch and players adapt. There’s reason to be optimistic, but only if everyone, from operators to players, stays engaged and keeps the focus where it belongs: on responsibility, fairness, and clarity.