Operators in Finland, including SkillOnNet and Wildz Group, have hit back at proposed player protection measures, stressing that they could push players to the black market.
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New Finnish Gambling Act formally published
After Finland’s president ratified the new Gambling Act on January 16, 2026, it was formally published, completing the restructuring of the country’s gambling framework.
The act includes rules for gambling activities and their supervision, with the goal of protecting players, preventing crime, and reducing gambling harm.
The main point in the act is the dual-licensing model that differentiates between exclusive and open gambling licenses. Exclusive licenses will cover lotteries, betting games, slot machines, and casino games, and are limited to just two licenses in total. They will be granted to state-controlled limited liability companies. Gambling licenses may be granted to private operators for the categories of fixed-odds and variable-odds betting, electronic casino games, virtual betting, and electronic slot machine games.
Strict player protection measures will be introduced, such as identity verification and the use of personal gaming accounts. Residency checks for self-excluded individuals permanently living in Finland will also be conducted.
Daily and monthly transfer limits will be required, while self-exclusion tools will allow for immediate or long-term blocking from gambling. Additionally, it will be prohibited to offer credit-based gambling, free games, or aggressive discounting.
Operators will be banned from advertising to minors or vulnerable groups and from presenting gambling as a solution to financial problems.
A newly established body, the National Supervisory Authority, will be responsible for gambling supervision, including licensing, compliance, and fines. The act is set to enter into force on July 1, 2027.
On January 16, 2026, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb formally signed the new Gambling Act, which was passed in Parliament on December 16, 2025.A two-track system will...
