The Finnish government received approval from the European Commission on November 8 for three legislative proposals that will transform the country’s gambling market structure. The bills, submitted on August 8, establish the regulatory framework for supervision, licensing, and reporting as Finland prepares to implement its forthcoming Gambling Act.
The Commission’s approval represents a major milestone in Finland’s shift from its traditional monopoly-based gambling system to a competitive licensing model that aligns with European standards for market transparency and fair competition.
Supervision Fees Tied to Gross Gaming Margin
The first bill establishes the methodology for calculating and collecting supervision fees from licensed operators. The legislation applies to holders of exclusive rights, gambling licenses, and gaming software licenses operating in the Finnish market.
Under the approved framework, fees will be calculated based on each operator’s gross gaming margin, creating a proportional relationship between business performance and regulatory oversight costs. The regulation includes a transitional arrangement for the first year of implementation.
Set to take effect on January 1, 2027, the supervision fee structure aims to create transparent and sustainable funding for the regulatory authority while ensuring oversight costs are distributed equitably across licensed operators.
Licensing Requirements and Application Procedures
The second bill, scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2026, defines the requirements and procedures for obtaining gambling licenses in Finland. The legislation establishes a standardized system for all operators seeking market entry.
The regulation specifies the application process structure, required documentation, and evaluation criteria that the supervisory authority will apply. Applicants must provide comprehensive information about their operations, planned activities, and compliance with Gambling Act requirements.
This regulatory framework marks a fundamental change in Finland’s gambling market structure, replacing the longstanding monopoly model with a multi-license system designed to facilitate market access for qualified operators while maintaining rigorous assessment standards.
Annual Reporting Requirements Enhance Oversight
The third bill mandates annual reporting for all licensed operators, strengthening transparency and enabling the supervisory authority to maintain current knowledge of operator activities across the market.
Required annual reports must include an operational plan and budget forecast for the upcoming year, financial statements from the previous fiscal year, and detailed disclosures regarding gambling promotion, operational developments, and harm prevention initiatives.
The reporting requirements place particular emphasis on irregular betting patterns, suspected match manipulation cases, and the countermeasures operators have implemented to address such issues. This framework is designed to enable early risk detection and facilitate targeted regulatory oversight.
Market Reform Advances Consumer Protection
The three legislative reforms position Finland to operate a more open and accountable gambling market. The new regulatory structure will enable proactive supervision, reduce market irregularities, and support a competitive environment with robust regulatory safeguards.
Beyond bringing Finland into alignment with broader European Union standards, the reforms address evolving consumer protection requirements. The stringent reporting obligations and clear licensing criteria will ensure that only operators meeting transparency and accountability standards can participate in the Finnish market.
The reforms reflect Finland’s commitment to modernizing its gambling sector while maintaining strong protections for consumers and market integrity as the country transitions to its new licensing-based system.
Source: European Commission
