Finland Proposes Licensed Gambling Market with B2B Rules
Finland is advancing towards a fully licensed gambling market following the government’s submission of legislative proposal HE 16/2025, a move expected to reshape the country’s gambling sector.
Mandatory B2B Licensing and Market Restructuring
The proposed legislation introduces a comprehensive B2B licensing framework that will fundamentally alter Finland’s gambling supply chain. As part of the reform, the state-owned operator Veikkaus Oy is set to be legally unbundled into separate entities, ensuring fair competition across the market.
B2C and B2B Licensing Overview
Under the plan, two distinct license types will be implemented:
Gambling Game License (rahapelitoimilupa): Designed for B2C operators, this license will cover online betting options including fixed-odds, pool betting and virtual games as well as online casino offerings like slots, table games and bingo. Applications are expected to open in early 2026, with licenses valid for up to five years. Operators will be taxed at 22% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), contributing significantly to state revenues.
Game Software License (peliohjelmistotoimilupa): Targeted at suppliers providing, developing or maintaining gambling software. Licensed operators will be required to source software exclusively from licensed providers. Applications for this B2B license will commence in early 2027, with full compliance mandated by January 1, 2028. Licenses will also have a maximum term of five years, matching operator licenses.
Veikkaus Restructuring and Competition Framework
The legislation proposes dividing Veikkaus Oy into two separate entities:
Monopoly Entity: Retains exclusive control over the national lottery, land-based casinos and physical slot machines, under a ten-year monopoly license.
Competitive Entity: Operates in the licensed online casino and betting market alongside private operators, adhering to the same five-year license term and 22% GGR tax rate.
This separation aims to foster fair competition while maintaining regulatory oversight of state-controlled activities.
Dedicated Supervisory Authority
Oversight of Finland’s newly structured gambling market will be conducted by the forthcoming Lupa- ja valvontavirasto (Permit and Supervision Agency). Funded via industry supervision fees, the agency will monitor compliance, enforce regulations and ensure the licensing system operates effectively, balancing market growth with consumer protection.
With the licensing rollout set to begin in 2026 for operators and 2027 for software providers, Finland is taking decisive steps toward a regulated, competitive and transparent gambling ecosystem.
