2026: The year Finnish players get more online casino freedom
The legal Finnish gambling scene is set to be changed indefinitely, with a new licensing system expected to take effect in January 2026 across the country. The system is being introduced to help reduce gambling-related harm and improve the channeling of betting activities across online casinos and sportsbooks.
Undoubtedly an interesting time for the industry, it will also be an exciting moment for players across Finland. The introduction of new regulations will provide several benefits and new opportunities for players, but it’s also important to acknowledge some of the potential challenges that will arise as a result of the upcoming changes.
What potential benefits can Finnish players expect in 2026?
Under the current laws, Finland has a licensing system that follows a state monopoly managed by Veikkaus Oy. However, the new changes will now allow private operators to enter the market and offer their products and services.
Pikakasino, a site that lists instant casinos from private operators, highlighted the importance of this move, “Finland’s shift to a multi-licensing system marks a pivotal moment for the online gambling industry. While increased competition is expected to enhance player choice and security, restrictions on bonuses and stricter regulations could reshape how Finnish players engage with online casinos. The success of this transition will ultimately depend on balancing player freedom with responsible gaming protections.”
The availability of additional operators will no doubt bring an abundance of benefits to the industry. One of which includes a potential increase in the number of accepted payment methods, with some Pay N Play options also possible. As payment solutions have improved with the onset of advanced technology, player habits have also changed. New digital methods have become available, which have enhanced the transaction process, making it faster and more secure. The introduction of new payment options entering Finland should make depositing a more painless process; players know deposits will be instant, while the potential to make faster withdrawals will also be convenient and attractive.
The introduction of this new system across Finland will see a gambling regulatory authority put in place, with the National Police Board no longer being responsible. A new Licensing and Supervisory Authority will also be created to improve player protection, making the industry fairer and safer. The Authority will be responsible for ensuring that operators comply with gambling regulations and that licenses are only awarded to those who do. If they encounter any issues, they will also have the power to take action (fines, closure, etc.) and protect players from potential harm.
What challenges could Finnish players experience?
Notably, one of the measures proposed by the new authority is banning bonuses. This will include popular promotions like no-deposit bonuses, campaign bonuses, free spins, and free game money. Currently, Finnish players enhance their experience with several different types of bonuses, but under the new regulations, they would no longer have any access to them.
Additionally, while there may be more options to choose from, the upcoming changes could see several operators being blocked, as network operators will be required to restrict access to operators who do not have a license to offer their gambling services within the country. Any operator who is found to be violating the Gambling Act would also be blocked.
For this reason, the increased regulations may not be something welcomed by all players. Although the new system aims to improve player protection, some may feel that it could be taken too far. There may be players who prefer to gamble anonymously or with greater freedom; however, a regulated industry requires the submission of private and sensitive data to confirm identities.
How have other countries dealt with similar licensing transitions?
Many countries have transitioned to new gambling licensing systems, with Scandinavian neighbours Denmark and Sweden successfully transitioning from state gambling monopolies to multi-licensing systems recently.
Spain, Germany, Ireland, and much of Europe have also undergone some form of gambling regulation change since 2009. Once Finland makes the change, it’ll only be Norway, Iceland, and Luxembourg that remain on a monopolistic system across the continent. This has led to calls for Norway to evolve and adopt the same approach as everyone else across the region.
Perhaps they’ll be looking to Finland to see how they implement the changes when they come into force in 2026.
