The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) has warned that gambling-related harm could increase when Finland transitions to a licensing-based gambling market in summer 2027. The authority said additional consumer protection measures will be needed to mitigate the risks.
As of now, only the state-owned company Veikkaus is allowed to offer gambling, but the new system will open up online casinos and sports betting to competition.
In a new policy brief, the FCCA argued that the increased competition and greater scope for gambling advertising could lead to higher levels of gambling harm. The authority has therefore called for a series of safeguards to be implemented alongside the market opening.
Among its key recommendations are the introduction of payment and network blocking measures to combat unlicensed operators, as well as player-specific deposit and loss limits that apply across the entire regulated market.
The FCCA also called for a ban on bonuses throughout the customer relationship, arguing that promotional offers can encourage consumers to gamble more than intended and open accounts with multiple operators.
Marketing restrictions were another major focus of the report. The authority said gambling advertising should be prohibited on social media platforms, noting that algorithm-driven content can significantly amplify the reach of gambling-related posts beyond the operator's direct control.
The Lottery Administration of Finland's National Police Board has received approximately 50 applications for gambling licenses. According to Senior Inspector Juha Katainen, most of the applicants are foreign companies. Applications have been accepted since early March.
According to the Police Board, the processing of applications is expected to take approximately six months.
Veikkaus will retain exclusivity over lottery products, scratch cards, land-based slot machines and casino games
