The new Government Programme published on Friday 16.6. contains a historical entry on the Finnish gambling system. The aim of Petteri Orpo's (Conservative Party) Government is to implement a responsible reform that dismantles the current monopoly model on gambling, preventing the harmful effects of gambling and securing income channelled to society.
According to the Government Programme, the gambling system will be partially opened to licensed competition by 1.1.2026 at the latest. In principle, the licensing system would cover online casino games and betting. The exclusive activities remaining with Veikkaus (e.g. lottery games and brick-and-mortar machines) and operations in a competitive market will be separated into different companies within the same group according to the entry.
"The entry in the Government Programme creates a strong foundation for building a more sustainable gambling system in Finland. Through the licensing model, gambling companies outside mainland Finland that have been offering their services online to Finns for years will be subject to the same rules as Veikkaus. It serves the interests of Finland and Finns," says Olli Sarekoski, CEO of Veikkaus.
"Veikkaus has excellent prerequisites for success also in the new system. We have the know-how and professionalism to succeed even in tough international competition.
The Government believes that Finland's current gambling system has reached the end of its long, decades-long development cycle. Over the years, the market share of the exclusive rights system in digital gaming has fallen close to the critical threshold of 50%. Until now, those who have operated outside the system have operated without paying taxes to Finland or taking responsibility for problems caused by gambling.
– Veikkaus has built a very comprehensive framework for responsible gambling in recent years. We are very well prepared to start operating in the new system in that respect as well," Sarekoski says.
Hallitusohjelmassa historiallinen kirjaus: Suomessa siirrytään osittaiseen lisenssimalliin 2026 - Veikkaus
Hallitusohjelmassa historiallinen kirjaus: Suomessa siirrytään osittaiseen lisenssimalliin 2026 - Veikkaus