According to a government program unveiled on June 2023, 6, the new Finnish government has put a special emphasis on opening up the online gambling market, with a plan to launch an online gambling licensing system by January 16 at the latest. .It further points out that it is "committed to ending the current monopoly system."
Introduction of hybrid system
Finland, like Sweden, is proceeding with the transition to and introduction of a hybrid system that combines a licensing system and a monopoly system.Future licensing regimes are envisioned to include online casino games and online gambling.
It is also possible for Veikkaus Oy, the current exclusivity holder, to maintain exclusivity in slot machines, brick-and-mortar casinos, brick-and-mortar gambling, lotteries, lottery games, etc., regardless of distribution channel.However, Veikkaus will be split into two legal entities, one operating in the area of exclusive services and the other in the licensed gambling market.
Research on monopolies in gambling activities in Finland
The imminent opening of the online gambling market follows recent findings on monopolies in gambling activities in Finland, where gambling activities conducted outside the monopoly system have cost the Finnish state a significant amount of money. It became clear that there isThe study further points out that the aforementioned amounts amount to approximately EUR 5-5 million annually.In this regard, researchers argue that "about half of all online gambling takes place in games outside the state monopoly system."
Main purpose is to prevent and reduce gambling harm
However, non-state monopoly gambling causes serious gambling-related harm.
In this regard, the avoidance and complete elimination of gambling-related harm will continue to be the main goal of Finland's gambling policy.To achieve this goal, the aforementioned government program allows marketing of licensed gambling services, but marketing must be moderate and responsible in its content, scope, visibility and frequency. .
For direct marketing, the consumer's explicit consent must be obtained.Therefore, the latest measures aimed at avoiding the harmful effects of gambling will provide a single point of service for consumers to block gambling across all platforms that offer licensed services.
The government will also evaluate the possibility of restricting the use of slot machines to specific surveillance facilities.
Prohibited matter
Currently, the sale of gambling services by anyone other than Veikkaus Oy is prohibited.This ban also applies to online marketing on foreign sites when targeting Finnish consumers.
The Finnish National Police Commission is responsible for monitoring the Finnish gambling market and has taken action against several parties who violate gambling regulations.
In this regard, in April 2023, the National Police Commission banned BML Group Ltd from selling gambling services in Finland in violation of the Finnish Lottery Act.In addition, the Police Commission imposed a conditional fine of €4 million against the operator for enforcing the ban.The ban will continue for the next few years until new legislation can come into force.
But the new government must start preparing legislation for its next steps.The exact schedule is still unknown, but preparations are expected to begin later this year.
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