Finland Plans to End Veikkaus Monopoly, Introduce Licensed Gambling Market by 2025
The Finnish government has announced intentions to reform the national gambling system by shifting from the current monopoly model, held exclusively by Veikkaus, to a licensing framework that enables multiple operators to enter the market. This move is designed to mitigate gambling-related harm and bring more transparency to how gambling revenues are allocated across civil society and public funding. The proposed changes seek to replace Veikkaus’s sole control over gambling by permitting licensed competition, which the government believes will foster a healthier gambling environment and improve oversight of financial flows. The legislation outlining these reforms is expected to be introduced in autumn 2023. If approved, the new licensed gambling market is planned to be operational by 2025, marking a significant restructuring of Finland’s gambling industry. The government’s approach reflects a growing international trend toward regulating gambling through licensing schemes rather than state monopolies, aiming to balance market openness with social responsibility.