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Finland has officially taken a big step toward changing how gambling works in the country. The President of Finland has approved the new Gambling Act, which means the legal process is now complete. This decision ends the old monopoly system and opens the door for a competitive gambling market starting in July 2027.
President Signs Off on the New Law
With the President’s approval, the law has passed all final stages. The next step is for it to be published in the Statutes of Finland, which is the country’s official legal record. Once published, the law becomes fully active. Some parts of the reform, mainly related to taxes, will begin earlier on March 1, 2026. The main gambling rules and market changes will start from July 1, 2027. This means there are no more approvals needed from Parliament. The new system is now confirmed and ready to move into the preparation phase.
Finland Moves Away From Monopoly System
From mid-2027, Finland will no longer run gambling under a single state-controlled operator. Instead, licensed private companies will be allowed to enter the market under clear rules. The reform focuses mainly on online gambling, sports betting, and related services. At the same time, the government has promised strong player safety rules, better supervision, and strict action against illegal gambling. A new licensing system will be created so that only approved operators can offer services. This brings Finland closer to how many other European countries manage their gambling markets.
New Rules on Taxes and Financial Safety
The new law is not just about opening the market. It also updates several other areas. There will be changes to how gambling income is taxed. New rules for anti-money laundering and financial checks will also be applied. Consumer protection laws will be strengthened to help players stay safe.
Authorities will get more power to monitor operators, issue fines, and take action against illegal platforms. Some of these updates will start earlier than 2027 to help prepare the system in advance.
What This Means for Gambling Companies
Now that the law is final, gambling companies, software providers, and investors have a clear timeline to work with. They can start planning for licenses, partnerships, and market entry. The government is expected to release more details and guidelines before 2027, including how companies can apply for licenses and what rules they must follow.
Final View
Finland’s decision marks one of the biggest gambling policy changes in the Nordic region in recent years. The focus now moves from lawmaking to action. Over the next two years, the country will prepare its systems, train regulators, and set up the licensing process. By July 2027, Finland is expected to fully join the group of European countries with open and regulated gambling markets.
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