Finland

Finland Confirms Historic Shift to Online Gambling License System by 2027

Published

5 hours ago

November 25, 2025

Helsinki-based industry expert Bonusetu.com analyzes the new government proposal, which includes a 22% GGR tax, a national self-exclusion register, and the end of the online monopoly for casino and betting.

HELSINKI, Nov. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bonusetu.com, a Helsinki-based company specializing in the comparison and review of online casinos, today analyzes the Finnish government’s landmark legislative proposal (HE 16/2025 vp). The proposal will dismantle the current online gambling monopoly and introduce a partial licensing system, a move Bonusetu.com sees as a critical step toward enhancing player safety and modernizing the market.

The government’s proposal officially acknowledges that the current monopoly system has not succeeded in its objectives, noting that the monopoly’s market share in digital gambling is near 50%. This means a large portion of play already occurs outside the state-regulated system.

The reform’s primary stated goals are to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm and to improve the channeling rate by bringing all operators into a single, strictly supervised Finnish framework.

“As a Helsinki-based company with over a decade of industry expertise, we have advocated for this change for years,” said Tommi Korhonen of Bonusetu.com. “A well-regulated license system is the only proven way to protect all players, ensure operator accountability, and create a fair and transparent market. The government’s proposal shows a serious commitment to fixing a system that was no longer serving the best interests of Finnish players.”

Key Highlights of the Finnish Licensing Proposal (HE 16/2025 vp):

The new legislation outlines a clear timeline and structure for the new market:

Go-Live Date: The new licensed market is intended to launch on January 1, 2027.
Application Process: The license application process.
Scope of Licenses: The new license system will cover online casino games and online betting. Veikkaus Oy’s exclusive activities, such as the national lottery and physical slot machines, will be legally separated into a different entity within the same group.
License Duration: Gambling licenses will be issued for a maximum of five years at a time.

A New Framework for Player Protection

A cornerstone of the new legislation is a strong, multi-layered focus on responsible gambling and player safety.

Key player protection measures in the proposal include:

National Self-Exclusion Register: A centralized system will be established, allowing a player to self-exclude from all licensed gambling services in Finland with a single request.
Mandatory Identification: All players must be registered with a player account and be strictly verified by identity and place of residence.
Strict Marketing Rules: Marketing will be permitted to channel players to the legal offering but must be “moderate and responsible”. The law will detail prohibited marketing methods and ban direct marketing without a person’s explicit consent.

Financial and Structural Changes

The proposal also details the new tax structure and enforcement model, creating strong incentives for both players and operators to join the regulated system.

New Tax Rate: A uniform lottery tax will be set at 22% of GGR for all licensed operators.
Incentive for Players: In a critical move to boost channeling, winnings from unlicensed gambling sites will become taxable income for the player.
B2B Licensing: The market will also require a software license for game suppliers. Licensed operators will be permitted to only use software from other licensed suppliers.
New Supervisory Authority: A new, powerful supervisory authority will be established, funded by licensee-paid supervision fees. It will have robust enforcement powers, including issuing fines, revoking licenses, and ordering the removal of illegal online content.

“We look forward to being a constructive partner in this new, regulated environment and continuing our mission to provide Finns with the safest and most reliable information on the market,” Korhonen concluded.

About Bonusetu.com

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Helsinki, Bonusetu.com is a leading Finnish company specializing in the review and comparison of online casinos. With a team of industry veterans boasting over 100 years of combined experience, our mission is to provide reliable, up-to-date, and transparent information to help Finnish players make safe and informed choices in the digital gaming environment.

For more information, please visit https://www.bonusetu.com.

Follow us for updates:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonusetu/
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Contact:

Tommi Korhonen, Veteran of the Finnish Casino industry and acting CEO of Bonusetu. [email protected]

The original Finnish government proposal, Hallituksen esitys HE 16/2025 vp, is available on the Finnish Parliament’s website.

CONTACT: [email protected]

Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming strengthens European foothold with Finnish state lottery Veikkaus partnership

Published

1 month ago

October 17, 2025

George Miller

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Blueprint Gaming has bolstered its presence across Europe after securing a new partnership with Veikkaus, the Finnish state lottery.

Veikkaus’ player base across Finland now benefits from Blueprint’s entire portfolio, featuring branded titles Rick and Morty: Strike Back, The Flintstones and ted Afterparty, as well as its iconic King Kong and Fishin’ Frenzy franchises.

Comprising over 1,200 top iGaming professionals, with responsible gaming firmly at its core, Veikkaus operates all gambling content offered throughout Finland, covering lottery, casino and sports betting.

The state-owned organisation has now elevated its diverse gambling portfolio through a library of feature-rich games known for their vibrant visuals, proven retention-focused mechanics and immersive gameplay.

Blueprint Gaming’s latest agreement underlines its ambitions of continuing to expand its global footprint across the industry’s most progressive markets, bringing its ever-expanding content to a new wave of players.

Samuel Haggblom, Director of Key Accounts at Blueprint Gaming, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Veikkaus, one of Europe’s most respected and responsible state-owned operators, in a move that significantly strengthens our presence across the continent.

“Finland continues to stand as an exciting opportunity for Blueprint, and through this collaboration, we are bringing our market-leading portfolio, from much-loved franchises to our latest innovations, to a whole new audience of players.”

The post Blueprint Gaming strengthens European foothold with Finnish state lottery Veikkaus partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Canada

Most Popular Bonuses in the Finnish iGaming Industry – Exploring Player Habits and Preferences in Finland

Published

3 years ago

April 25, 2023

GamingAmericas.com

The Finnish iGaming industry has been thriving for years, and with the increasing popularity of online gambling, it shows no signs of slowing down. One of the reasons for this growth is the variety of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos, including non-sticky bonuses and free spins. In this article, we’ll explore what these bonuses are and how they work, as well as discuss some significant player habits and preferences in Finland.

Finland has a long history of gambling, and the country’s residents are known for their love of games of chance. In fact, it’s estimated that around 80% of Finnish adults participate in some form of gambling, whether that’s playing the lottery, visiting a casino, or betting on sports. Online gambling is also becoming increasingly popular, with more and more Finnish players turning to online casinos to satisfy their gambling needs.

Most Popular Bonuses in Finland

When it comes to the most popular types of bonuses in Finland, non-sticky bonuses and free spins are definitely among the top choices.

Non-sticky bonuses are a type of casino bonus that allows players to withdraw their winnings immediately without having to meet any wagering requirements. In other words, if you win using a non-sticky bonus, you can cash out your winnings without having to wager a certain amount first. This type of bonus is becoming increasingly popular among Finnish players who want to take advantage of the best bonuses without being tied down by wagering requirements.

Free spins are often offered as part of a welcome bonus, and players can use them to play slot games without having to use their own money. Free spins can also be offered as part of ongoing promotions or as a reward for loyal players. In most cases, winnings from free spins will have to be wagered a certain number of times before they can be withdrawn, this being the main difference between traditional and non-sticky bonuses.

Other popular types of bonuses in Finland include deposit bonuses, where players receive a bonus based on the amount they deposit, and no deposit bonuses, which are given to players just for signing up. Loyalty programs are also popular, as they allow players to earn rewards and bonuses for playing regularly.

Player Preferences in Finland

Finnish players tend to be drawn to casinos that offer a wide range of games and generous bonuses. They also value safety and security, and are more likely to choose casinos that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities. Finnish players are also increasingly interested in mobile gaming, as they enjoy being able to play their favourite games on the go.

By understanding these preferences and offering the right types of bonuses, online casinos can attract more Finnish players and continue to thrive in this growing market.

Most Popular Casinos in Finland

When it comes to the best casinos in Finland, there are several options to choose from. One of the most popular is Casumo, which is known for its generous bonuses and wide selection of games. Casumo offers both non-sticky bonuses and free spins, making it an attractive choice for players who want to maximize their chances of winning. The casino also has a user-friendly interface and excellent customer support, making it a top choice for Finnish players.

Another popular casino in Finland is Rizk, which is known for its innovative approach to online gambling. The casino offers a unique rewards program where players can spin a wheel to earn bonuses, free spins, and other rewards. Rizk also offers a range of games from some of the top software providers in the industry, making it a great choice for players who want a diverse selection of games.

Finally, there’s LeoVegas, which has won numerous awards for its mobile casino platform. The casino offers a wide range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, and has a generous welcome bonus for new players. LeoVegas also offers a loyalty program where players can earn points that can be redeemed for bonuses and other rewards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Finnish iGaming industry is thriving thanks to the variety of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos. Non-sticky bonuses and free spins are becoming increasingly popular among Finnish players who want to take advantage of the best bonuses without being tied down by wagering requirements.

Canada

Finnish Gambling Landscape To Allow Offshore Online Casinos

Published

3 years ago

March 31, 2023

GamingAmericas.com

Despite its small population of 5,6 million and housing only two land-based casinos, Finland is the world’s fifth gambling economy. With the government owned Veikkaus granted the monopoly in Finland, the gaming industry is facing many obstacles as there is only one legal operator available at the moment. As such, many Finnish players have started to embrace foreign based online casinos. At the same time, the EU continues to address the country’s regulators, underlining that the current monopoly is a form of protectionism.

Kasinopartio: The Market Will Be Open in Few Years

Interestingly, Veikkaus reported in its Q3 2022 report that it is no longer able to compete with the growing number of international online casino operators. It now calls for reforms in the gambling landscape, which sees the casino market to open for offshore operators. The Finnish government is therefore expected to come with new regulations for the first time allowing offshore online casino operators to enter the Finnish gambling landscape. For example, a Finnish online casino site Kasinopartio.com is projecting that the opening of the Finnish casino market will be done within the next few years.

2023 Finnish Parliamentary Election

Parliamentary elections will be held in the Scandinavian country on the 2nd of April 2023 to members of parliament for the 2023-2027 term. Reforms of the gambling landscape seem inevitable with most parties in favour of adopting a licence system and thus potential opening of the online casino industry. The Left Alliance is the country’s only party opposing the gambling reforms. According to the preliminary polls, a right-wing government between the National Coalition Party and Finns Party is expected to win the elections. As most of the parties are in favour of the reform, it is not likely that the outcome of the parliamentary elections will affect the adoption of a new gambling law. After the formation of the new government, it will usually takes between 2 and 3 years for the regulation to come into effect. As per Kasinopartio, the regulation has been long waiting, which would mean the new government will tackle it straight after being formed.

Best Practices

With countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden having adopted and/or reformed their gambling landscapes in recent years, there is enough data that can be used by Finnish industry experts. Finland has announced its willingness to make use of best practices and learn the best lessons in other countries. It is now widely believed that Finland will turn its attention to Sweden and analyse which best practices could be used for the Finnish market. A survey conducted by Finnish opinion poll specialist Bilendi on behalf of the international operator Kasino Curt, has shown that more Finns (31%) support than oppose (27%) the idea of abolishing Finland’s monopoly and adopting a licence system. The interviews were conducted by Bilendi Oy’s nationwide consumer panel in the period from March 20 to 24, 2019. The error margin is set at ±3.1 percentage points.