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Finland’s Gambling Reform Bill Hits Constitutional Roadblock

Posted on September 30, 2025 | 9:33 am
Finlands-new-Gambling-Act-faces-constitutional-scrutiny

Finland’s efforts to overhaul its gambling framework have encountered legal obstacles, as the Constitutional Committee identified several flaws in the government’s proposed Gambling Act. The legislation, intended to take effect in early 2027, has been flagged for ambiguous language that could hinder its enforceability.

A primary sticking point is the section addressing gambling advertisements. The committee singled out the phrase “moderate advertising,” arguing that its lack of precision could create confusion and lead to inconsistent regulatory practices. The Administrative Committee has been instructed to clarify what the government means by “moderate” to ensure the law is applied fairly and transparently.

The committee also criticized Section 52(1)(15) for its overly broad wording. Lawmakers have been urged to strike this section from the draft bill altogether, as its current form could leave too much open to interpretation. These changes are mandatory before the proposal can advance further in the legislative process.

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Focus on Taxation and Professional Gambling

Beyond advertising concerns, the Constitutional Committee also highlighted issues connected to professional gambling. The opinion emphasized that tax provisions in this area must remain carefully worded to comply with constitutional standards. The committee underscored that vague or imprecise tax language could threaten the bill’s legality and open the door to legal challenges.

While these points are important, the bulk of the committee’s critique centered on advertising rules. Once the Administrative Committee addresses these specific concerns, the legislation will be permitted to continue through parliament’s review process.

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A Shift Away From Finland’s Monopoly

The ongoing reform reflects a broader transformation in Finland’s gambling policy. For decades, the state-owned operator Veikkaus has held exclusive rights to gambling activities in the country. However, discussions on breaking up this monopoly and introducing a licensing system have been underway for several years.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) welcomed the government’s plan back in October 2023, viewing it as a step toward aligning Finland with other European nations that already use open-market systems. A further expansion of the reform was confirmed in November 2024, when it was announced that horseracing would also be integrated into the new model.

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Monopoly Operator Under Scrutiny

The push for reform has not come without conflict. Following the submission of the Gambling Bill in March 2025, Veikkaus faced accusations from Swedish operator ATG of engaging in anti-competitive behavior. ATG alleged that Veikkaus has been maneuvering to secure favorable conditions ahead of the reform’s implementation. These claims underscore the tension between Finland’s current monopoly framework and the anticipated competitive market due in 2027.

Despite the challenges, the government remains committed to dismantling the single-operator model and replacing it with a regulated licensing system. The eventual goal is to create a fairer and more transparent gambling environment that addresses long-standing criticisms of Finland’s restrictive framework.

Source:

, gamblinginsider.com, September 29, 2025.

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