Key points
- Until 30 June 2027, Veikkaus holds exclusive rights to gambling in mainland Finland, including online casino games.
- The new Gambling Act (10/2026) opens betting and online casino games to licensed operators from 1 July 2027. Licence applications have been accepted since 1 March 2026.
- The Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto) becomes the licensing and supervisory authority from 1 July 2027. Until then, the National Police Board handles licensing.
- The minimum age stays at 18, and players must identify themselves.
The current position: Veikkaus monopoly
Gambling in mainland Finland is currently offered under Veikkaus Oy's exclusive rights. Under the reform, Veikkaus keeps its monopoly on lottery-type games, scratch cards and physical slot machines and casino games. It can also apply for a licence to compete in the newly opened market.
What changes on 1 July 2027
- Licensed market. Betting and online slot and casino games open to licensed operators. Licensed services can start on 1 July 2027, when the whole Gambling Act (10/2026) enters into force.
- Applications. The National Police Board began accepting licence applications on 1 March 2026, when some provisions entered into force early.
- Regulator. The Finnish Supervisory Agency becomes the competent licensing and supervisory authority from 1 July 2027.
- Marketing. Only expressly listed marketing channels are allowed. Affiliate and influencer marketing is prohibited under the new Act.
- Sanctions. Administrative fines from €1,000 to €100,000, penalty payments of up to 4% of turnover (capped at €5 million), and licence revocation as a last resort.
Age and identification
The government's proposal keeps the minimum age at 18. Players must identify themselves to prove their age. Identification also supports player tools such as gambling blocks and spending limits.
How to check an operator
- Until 30 June 2027, the only lawful online casino in mainland Finland is the one run by Veikkaus.
- From 1 July 2027, check the Finnish Supervisory Agency's register of licence holders for the company and domain.
- Be cautious about offers that claim to be "licensed in Finland" before July 2027.
Åland
The autonomous Åland Islands have their own gambling legislation. This guide covers mainland Finland.
Marketing note: from 1 July 2027, Finland's new Gambling Act prohibits affiliate marketing of gambling. We will review this page and its offers for Finnish users before then.
Note about the offers on this page: the offers shown above are general advertising and do not indicate a licence in Finland. Use only operators licensed by the national regulator.
Sources
- Valtioneuvosto (Finnish Government), Gambling system reform: licensing introduced to open betting and online casino games. Government proposal; age limit and Veikkaus monopoly scope. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Borenius, Finland's Gambling Act reform: practical guide. Published 28 May 2026; Act 10/2026 dates, authority, marketing and sanctions. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Bird & Bird, Licensed operators to enter the Finnish market in July 2027 Checked 3 November 2026.
Limitations: the government page describes the proposal, and its dates were later changed by Parliament. We used a law firm's summary of the adopted Act for the final dates. Check the Finnish Supervisory Agency once it takes over.