Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has unveiled a quartet of draft regulations under its newly minted Gambling Act, targeting the iGaming sector with restrictions like loss limits and maximum betting caps. These rules—stemming from the Gambling Act (10/2026)—are slated to be enforced from July 1, 2027, as part of Finland’s broader efforts to liberalize its gambling market. While approximately 50 license applications have been filed so far, the ambiguity surrounding player protection measures has left industry insiders uneasy. Hippos ATG’s Chief Commercial Officer, Antti Koivula, took to LinkedIn to critique the new regulations, calling them “Restrictive, but not quite Germany. Perhaps not even the Netherlands, at least not yet,” referencing the tight controls in those markets.
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Proposed Restrictions on Gameplay
The draft regulations are focused on reducing harm from electronic gaming. Auto-play features are to be banned, with each spin requiring manual initiation and lasting at least 2.5 seconds. Mandatory reminders will prompt players every 15 minutes to either continue or log out, except in player-versus-player casino games. These changes are currently open to public and industry feedback until August 5, 2026, meaning they’re not yet final. Finland also intends to implement uniform deadlines for prize claims to improve clarity. Another major shift is the introduction of mandatory return-to-player (RTP) rates aiming to balance consumer returns and regulatory oversight. Slots and casino table games will need an RTP of between 70% and 99.9%, while online betting products will have a lower range, between 55% and 80%.
Limits on Financial Losses and Stake Sizes
In a move to promote responsible gambling, the government is suggesting aggregate loss and maximum stake limits based on game type and player age. For online slot players under 25, the proposed stake maxes at €10 per spin, rising to €20 for older gamblers. Meanwhile, physical slot machines will see daily loss caps at €500, with more extensive monthly and yearly limits outlined. Finland plans to impose strict caps on gambling venue infrastructure to restrict accessibility. The Hollywood-style casino in Helsinki will be the nation’s sole land-based casino, maintaining limited public access hours. Gaming halls will be capped at 60 nationwide, with 100 table games per hall. This proposed framework also ties in with Veikkaus’ new age-based annual and checkpoint loss limits, including an €8,000 annual loss cap for 18-19-year-olds and no limit for those over 25.
Regulatory Context and Industry Impact
Finland’s evolving gambling framework reflects trends seen across Europe, where regulatory bodies are increasingly stringent in a bid to manage market risks. Still, however, this isn’t the first time Finland has flirted with tighter controls—these drafts come after years of pressure to adjust its gambling policies in line with European standards. The uncertainty surrounding the final form of these measures poses risks for operators eager to enter the Finnish market. Yet, the industry’s response won’t be fully known until after the ongoing consultation phase. This approach echoes the cautious regulatory path taken by other jurisdictions, like Sweden and the Netherlands, where consultation phases led to major rule adjustments based on stakeholder feedback. What’s next for Finland’s gambling sector? All eyes are set on the feedback period ending on August 5, 2026. This leaves room for the proposed regulations to evolve before their anticipated implementation next July.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
