Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the plans being considered
Finland’s long-discussed gambling reform may not move forward as quickly as planned after the Constitutional Committee raised concerns about the draft legislation. The committee reviewed the proposed Gambling Act, set to take effect in 2027, and found issues with several provisions that must be clarified or removed before the bill can advance.
The most pressing issue is the language surrounding advertising. The bill currently refers to “moderate advertising,” but the committee argued that this phrasing is too vague and lacks the necessary legal precision. Lawmakers on the Administrative Committee will now need to refine the wording to ensure that restrictions are clearly defined and enforceable.
Another section flagged for revision is 52(1)(15), which the committee described as overly broad. Lawmakers have been asked to delete this part of the bill altogether. Without these adjustments, the committee warned that the legislation could create loopholes or lead to uneven enforcement.
Tax rules for professional gambling were also examined during the review. The committee emphasized that any tax provisions included in the new system must align with constitutional standards and be applied consistently. While these concerns are secondary to the advertising issue, they add another layer of complexity to the reform process.
The planned restructuring has already seen additions since its announcement, including the inclusion of horseracing in November 2024. At the same time, current monopoly operator Veikkaus has faced criticism, with Swedish rival ATG accusing the company of trying to secure an unfair advantage before the new framework takes effect.
For now, the Administrative Committee will need to make the recommended changes before the bill can continue its path through parliament. If adjustments are made, the legislation could still remain on track for its 2027 implementation, though the timeline may tighten.
