Gaming industry
The Finnish money gaming system is based on Veikkaus’ exclusive right to offer games in mainland Finland. This way, we aim to provide gaming in a responsible manner and to minimise any potential harm. The exclusive right is a means of regulating gaming. Without regulation, gaming-related harm and crime could increase significantly.
To minimise gaming-related harm, EU member states can choose the gaming system that best suits their own country, and these systems differ in every member state. There is currently no harmonised legislation on gaming within the European Union. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has issued many rulings expressing its support for nationally supervised gaming systems. This means that within the EU, gaming may only be offered with the permission and under the supervision of the member state.
Veikkaus’ gaming operations are based on laws and regulations
In our gaming operations, we comply with the Lotteries Act and the Government Decree on the organisation of gambling games. The decree stipulates the return percentages of games, the types and maximum numbers of slot machines and casino games, the maximum number of special gaming arcades, as well as the number, locations, and opening hours of casinos. In addition, each game has its own rules, which are confirmed by the Ministry of the Interior through a decree.
The National Police Board supervises gaming operations
The Gaming Administration of the National Police Board oversees Veikkaus’ gaming operations and ensures that its marketing complies with the law. All draw equipment, such as the Lotto draw machine familiar to Finns, is under the control of official inspectors appointed by the National Police Board – not by Veikkaus.
The official inspectors are familiar faces to the Finnish public from the televised draws of Veikkaus games. Each of them, in turn, greets hundreds of thousands of TV viewers with a “good evening.” However, supervising televised draws is only part of their work. Most of the supervision takes place at a computer in Veikkaus’ premises. In addition to overseeing the draws, the inspectors confirm the game results and prize amounts. The distribution of prizes only becomes official once the inspectors have confirmed it.
Towards a multi-licence system
Finland’s gaming system is undergoing change. In spring 2025, the Government submitted a bill to Parliament concerning a new gaming system. According to the Government Programme, Finland’s gaming system will be reformed by opening it up to competition.
Under the bill, the multi-licence system would cover betting games, including TOTO games, as well as online casino and slot machine games and eBingo. Veikkaus would retain its exclusive right to lottery games as well as to physical slot machines and table games.
Gaming companies could apply for licences as of the beginning of 2026, and licensed gambling operations could start at the beginning of 2027.
The aim of the reform is to prevent and reduce the harm caused by gaming, for example by directing gaming towards regulated and supervised offerings. Supervision of gaming operations would be transferred from the National Police Board to the new Licensing and Supervisory Agency.
