Finland: Gambling Reform Divides Opinions - What Does It Mean for Europe?

What happened

A new survey in Finland reveals a mixed picture regarding the planned gambling reform. Only a small portion of the population is informed about the specifics of the reform. This is surprising, considering how profound the changes could be. This development raises questions. My colleagues in the editorial office and I follow such international reports very closely. They often give us clues about possible future developments in the gambling market.

The survey was commissioned by Turtlebet. Bilendi conducted it in April 2026. The results are sobering for reform proponents. Less than a third of respondents know the exact goals of the reform. Many simply do not understand what is supposed to happen. This, of course, creates room for speculation and misunderstandings.

The Finnish government plans to abolish the current state gambling monopoly of Veikkaus. Instead, a licensing system is to be introduced. This strongly resembles the situation in Germany a few years ago. Such a upheaval is complex. It affects not only the providers but also the players. The most important thing, however, is always player protection. One should never forget that.

Background

Finland has operated a state gambling monopoly for decades. Veikkaus offers all legal gambling games. But this model is under pressure. Digitization has made online casinos accessible that are not under national control. Players resort to international providers. This is a known problem. Authorities lose oversight. Player protection measures are not always effective.

EU law has also exerted pressure. Monopolies conflict with the free movement of services. Many European countries have already reacted. Germany is a good example here. There, the State Treaty on Gambling was reformed in 2021. A licensing system for online slot machines was created. Only providers with a German GGL license are allowed to advertise and offer their services. This was a big step. It ensured more security and transparency.

The Finnish government saw a need for action. An opening of the market is intended to regulate foreign providers. They are to be integrated into the system. This way, better control over the market is hoped for. They also want to better tap tax revenues. The survey shows that many citizens want a broader range of offerings. At the same time, there is great fear of an increased risk of problem gambling. This balance is difficult to strike. We have been reporting on such dilemmas for many years. Good regulation is key.

Why it matters for German players

Directly, the Finnish reform has no impact on German players. The German market is clearly structured by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. Players in Germany can legally play at online arcades with a GGL license. Examples include Jackpotpiraten, Löwen Play Online, CrazyBuzzer, or Merkur Slots. These providers ensure a high level of player protection. That is the great advantage.

Indirectly, however, such developments are important. They show a European trend. More and more countries recognize the need to modernize their gambling markets. A well-regulated market is better than an uncontrollable grey area. In the end, everyone can benefit from such endeavors: players through better protection, states through tax revenues, and also reputable providers.

False marketing promises from MGA or Curacao-licensed providers are also well known in Germany. These casinos are not allowed to offer their services in Germany. They do not have a German license. There are often misunderstandings. I always warn against playing at these providers. One has no legal protection there. Winnings can be forfeited, deposits insecure. That is a high risk. The Finnish reform could contribute to further increasing awareness of safe, regulated offerings throughout Europe.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed online casinos in Germany, the situation in Finland is a positive signal. It confirms the path Germany has taken. A regulated market attracts reputable operators. It creates trust among players. If Finland introduces a similar model, the potential European internal market for licensed gambling companies will expand. This is good in the long run.

German licensees could also become active in Finland in the future, once the market opens and licenses are granted. This would open up new business opportunities. It could also lead to an exchange of best practices. How do you deal with problem gambling prevention? What are the most effective tools for player identification? These questions are relevant everywhere.

The experiences from Germany could be valuable for Finland. We also had initial difficulties. Implementation was not always easy. But the advantages outweigh them. My personal opinion is: a stable licensing system is more future-proof than any monopoly. It offers more transparency and better control. That should be the main priority, no matter where in Europe. The Finnish survey shows that much educational work still needs to be done. This is a challenge for any government that initiates such far-reaching changes.