Vedonlyönti, livetulokset ja paljon muuta
As a result, there are two solutions on the table. Finland could switch to a licensing system that would open the market to regulated foreign operators for a fee. The other option is to strengthen the control Veikkaus has over the market and clamp down on unlicensed online gaming activity.
Almost everyone in the Riksdag, Finland’s legislature, is in favor of abolishing Veikkaus’ monopoly, according to previous research. Veikkaus itself has that the monopoly isn’t working.
"In Finland we have a monopoly system, but if you look at digital gaming, Veikkaus only has half of the market share. One might wonder if we really have a monopoly system anymore," Nummikoski said.
Paf: Nettikasino | Kolikkopelit, vedonlyönti ja bingo
The Finnish Lotteries Act (1047/2001) lays down the main provisions on the Relevant Products and on the existing monopoly system granting the exclusive right to provide gambling services in Finland to the wholly state-owned operator Veikkaus Oy (“Veikkaus”). The Finnish Lotteries Act defines lottery as an activity in which participants may win a prize of monetary value based on chance and in which there is a charge for participation. Gambling is defined as a lottery in which participants may win money prizes.
“Preparing for the shift in the gambling industry and going international are key to Veikkaus’ growth strategy,” said Veikkaus president and CEO Olli Sarekoski. “We are building a future where Veikkaus is Finland’s leading gambling company and a significant operator in the international market.”
No gambling licences are available in Finland yet. According to the Finnish Lotteries Act, Veikkaus, a state-owned private limited liability company, currently has the exclusive right to provide gambling services in mainland Finland. Gambling services falling under the exclusive right of Veikkaus cover both land-based and online gambling operations.
Finland's digital gambling market was valued at around 520 million euros during the first half of this year, according to the company's interim report, of which about half — 260 million euros — went to Veikkaus and the rest to foreign operators.
Finland Likely a Step Closer to Removing Veikkaus Gaming Monopoly
Veikkaus currently has about half of the market share for online gambling in Finland. The other half is controlled by companies that are not allowed to advertise in Finland.
Finland Ends Veikkaus Monopoly For Competitive Market
In September 2022, the CEO of Veikkaus Olli Sarekoski spoke in the favor of abolishing the Veikkaus monopoly due to the company's inability to meet the Finns' gambling needs, as more than 60% of in Finland has shifted to unregulated markets.
Veikkaus: Lotto, Keno, Pitkäveto ja muut pelit verkkokaupasta
In October 2023, Finland officially initiated a legislative reform project to replace its current gambling monopoly system with a partial licensing system. The first draft law, which offers an initial view of the future licensing framework, was published in July 2024. According to the draft, the B2C licensing application process will begin in 2026, with licensees granted permission to operate in the Finnish market at the beginning of 2027. B2B licensing will commence in 2027, and starting at the beginning of 2028, licensed B2C operators will be required to use only licensed B2B providers. In terms of products, fixed-odds betting, pari-mutuel betting, online casino games, online e-bingo and online slots will transition to the licensing system, while all other products will remain under Veikkaus’ exclusive rights.
Rekisteröintipaikka: Helsinki, Suomi
Executive Vice President Velipekka Nummikoski told Yle that the regulation of gambling in Finland currently only extends to Veikkaus, and not to foreign online gambling companies that are allowed to operate without restrictions.
Olemme rahapelaamisen erikoismyymälä ja peli-ilon koti
Only the exclusive right holder, Veikkaus, may provide and market gambling services legally in Finland. There are several restrictions concerning the Relevant Products due to responsible gambling requirements (see question 2.8 below).
THL warns against Veikkaus gambling reform | Yle News
While Lotto and the retail slot machines will remain under Veikkaus’ monopoly, Finland’s government will reform the country’s gambling system and for online casino and sports betting at the beginning of 2026.
Veikkaus ready to end gambling monopoly, switch to licensing model
Finland's ambitious plan to dismantle Veikkaus' monopoly and introduce a competitive market by 2027 is poised to significantly impact both the industry and players. The success of this transition will depend on effective regulation, industry cooperation, and a focus on responsible gambling practices.
Finnish goverments stake in Veikkaus presents conflict of interest
Finland’s state-owned gaming operator Veikkaus is expected to reduce its staff by nearly a third as the company prepares for the country’s new competitive gambling market in 2026.
One Football (Outside Finland) › · Ruutu+ › · Yle ›
Veikkaus has not previously been able to make use of the company’s games because the technical platform used in the draw is located in France. However, the Lotteries Act, which was amended in 2022, makes it possible to locate the game platforms used by Veikkaus outside Finland in the EU and EEA member states.