As formerly proposed, the new Gambling Act will end the ‘monopoly arrangements’ of state-owned gambling firm Veikkaus Oy, which currently has an exclusivity over sports betting and online casino games.
Though proposals call for Veikkaus Oy to be removed from the online gambling market, the monopoly will retain exclusive rights to operate lotteries, racing pools, totalisator bets, physical slot machines, and arcade games.
Regulatory changes are required as Veikkaus Oy will end its existing monopoly contract by the end of 2026, for which the Ministry of the Interior has opened its consultation, seeking feedback until 18 August 2024.
The draft legislation, prepared by a working group under the Ministry of the Interior, seeks to introduce a new licensing system that will open the market for betting..