Political game surrounding Finnish slot machines: who really wins?
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14 Sep 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government is preparing a major reform of the Finnish gambling market. The most important point: Veikkaus’ monopoly will be broken. From 2027, foreign gambling companies will be allowed to operate legally on the Finnish market, provided they have a licence.
With this licence, they will be able to offer and promote casino games and sports betting. However, Veikkaus will remain the sole operator in a number of areas, such as the lottery and slot machines in supermarkets and kiosks.
Experts advise, but politicians decide otherwise
A bill was already ready in the spring of 2025. Since then, committees and experts have been studying the plans. Dozens of recommendations followed.
Slot machines in particular sparked heated discussions. Researchers and the Ministry of Health argued that the machines should be removed from public spaces. They wanted gamblers to only be able to play in special, strictly controlled halls.
The government decided otherwise. Veikkaus is allowed to keep the machines in shops, cafés and kiosks. Shopkeepers receive commission if they provide space for the machines.
Research shows risks of slot machines in poor neighbourhoods
Finns lose around €100 million a year on these machines. Studies show that people with lower incomes gamble the most. The machines are also conspicuously often located in neighbourhoods where residents earn less.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the machines were closed and many players switched to online gambling. Since then, revenue from the machines has been declining, partly due to mandatory identification when using them. Nevertheless, the government sees no reason to relocate them.
Finland differs from neighbouring countries Sweden and Norway
No other European country has slot machines as visible as Finland. In Sweden and Norway, the number of machines is about half and regulation is stricter. There, players have to go to separate gambling halls much more often.
According to experts, Finland had an opportunity to do the same. Their advice was that stricter rules would provide better protection against gambling harm. Nevertheless, the government opted to maintain the current situation.
New regulator to monitor licences
In addition to allowing foreign providers, there will be further changes. Veikkaus will no longer have to remain wholly state-owned in the future. However, the government will always retain a majority of the shares.
Furthermore, a new supervisory authority will be established: the Lupa- ja valvontavirasto. This body will be responsible for monitoring the new gambling companies from 2027 onwards. It will check whether they comply with the law and do not engage in misconduct with regard to advertising or bonuses. The costs of supervision will largely be borne by the companies themselves.Veikkaus has previously announced drastic measures to increase player safety.