Currently, online casinos operate under a strict state monopoly system in Finland. Only Veikkaus Oy, the state-owned gambling company, has the legal right to offer and market gambling services, including online casino games, to Finnish residents (1). This monopoly system was established to prevent gambling-related harm and ensure proper regulation of all gaming activities within the country.
While Finnish residents can technically access foreign online casino operators, these services operate in a legal gray area. The marketing and advertising of non-Veikkaus gambling services is strictly prohibited under the Lotteries Act, and the National Police Board actively supervises compliance with these regulations (1). However, significant legislative changes are on the horizon that will fundamentally alter Finland's gambling landscape.
"According to the Government Programme, the Government will reform the gambling system and open it to competition using a licence model by 1 January 2026 at the latest."
Finland is preparing to liberalize its gambling market through comprehensive regulatory reforms expected to take effect in 2027. Under the proposed new system, licensed operators will be permitted to offer online gambling services, including casino games and betting, effectively ending Veikkaus's exclusive monopoly (2). This shift represents a major transformation from the current restrictive framework to a competitive licensing model designed to improve player protection and increase regulatory oversight while maintaining safeguards against gambling-related harm.
Source:
https://intermin.fi/en/police/gambling
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/finland
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
