Finland Launches New Gambling Regulator Ahead of 2027 Market Opening

Finland has created a new gambling regulator to supervise all gaming operations in the country as it prepares for the regulated gambling market launch on 1 July 2027. The new agency replaces the National Police Board, which previously handled gambling oversight, and is granted broader powers to enforce compliance and manage the market effectively.

Stronger Enforcement Powers Compared to the National Police Board
Operating under the Permit and Supervision Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto), the new regulator shifts from criminal-based enforcement to administrative oversight. It can now issue fines, revoke licences, and enforce strict compliance with marketing, safety, and operational rules. Repeated violations or failure to pay supervision fees may result in licence suspension or withdrawal, placing more responsibility on operators to maintain high standards.

Player Protection and Combating Illegal Gambling
A top priority for Finland’s new gambling regulator is player safety. Operators will be required to implement strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks and player identification measures to prevent fraud, money laundering, and gambling-related harm.

The regulator also retains authority to block illegal websites and remove non-compliant online gambling content. These measures aim to reduce Finnish players’ access to unlicensed platforms and ensure the market operates safely and transparently.

Tommi Korhonen, CEO of Bonusetu, said:
"The new agency isn’t just an administrator; it acts as a regulator with powers to fine, block, and shut down operators. Compliance technology – particularly for KYC and anti-money laundering – is now critical for maintaining a licence."

Funding and Impact on the Gaming Industry
The regulator will be funded through tiered supervision fees paid by gambling operators, based on their gross gaming revenue. Larger operators will contribute proportionally more, ensuring the agency has the resources to enforce compliance effectively.

Industry experts predict that Finland’s 2027 market launch will see higher regulatory standards, stricter enforcement, and more accountability for operators, making the new regulator a central pillar in shaping a modern, secure, and fully licensed Finnish gambling industry.