Finland Strengthens Enforcement Powers Ahead of Gambling Market Liberalisation

Finland has moved further along the path of overhauling its gambling framework by granting expanded powers to its newly created gambling regulator, reinforcing enforcement as the country prepares to transition to a licensing-based market in 2027. The changes mark another significant milestone in the dismantling of the long-standing monopoly model.

Under the new arrangements, Finland’s Permit and Supervision Agency will take responsibility for overseeing enforcement in the future licensed gambling market. The authority has been given the ability to impose administrative penalties, withdraw licences in cases of regulatory non-compliance and take direct action against illegal gambling operations. This remit includes pursuing unlicensed online operators that continue to offer gambling services to Finnish consumers without authorisation. These enforcement tools are designed to ensure the regulator can act decisively from the outset of the new system, rather than relying on limited or indirect measures.

Beyond licensing and enforcement, the regulator will also be tasked with monitoring gambling advertising and ensuring compliance with player protection requirements. By bringing marketing oversight and consumer safeguards under the same authority, lawmakers aim to establish clearer and more consistent standards for operators while reducing the risk of regulatory blind spots during the transition period.

The expanded powers are part of broader preparations for the opening of Finland’s gambling market, which is scheduled to move to a licensing model in July 2027. Authorities intend to begin accepting licence applications in 2026, allowing sufficient time to assess prospective operators and build the supervisory infrastructure needed to manage the new regime. This phased timeline is also intended to give gambling companies the opportunity to adapt their business models to meet forthcoming regulatory obligations.

Finnish lawmakers have repeatedly pointed to the size of the unlicensed gambling sector as a key driver behind the reform. By strengthening enforcement capabilities well in advance of market liberalisation, the government hopes to improve channelisation toward licensed operators and lay the groundwork for a more transparent, controlled and effectively regulated gambling environment.

By fLEXI tEAM