Finnish authorities have unveiled plans to establish an open iGaming market in the country

Finland is steadily moving towards the licensing of its iGaming sector. Today, the country's authorities published two draft technical documents that will form part of an updated regulatory framework set to take effect at the beginning of next year. This will officially open the door for applications for licenses, with the actual launch of the new market scheduled for January 2027.
The drafts align with international standards and detail the requirements for random number generators (RNGs). Operators will receive clear guidelines on reliability levels, approved testing methods, and control procedures. Additionally, a comprehensive set of rules will be provided on how to implement, document, and monitor the quality of RNGs to ensure fair play.
Currently, the only legal online casino operator in Finland is the state-owned company Veikkaus. Its management supports plans to liberalize the online gambling sector, which will create favorable conditions for the country's transition to a free iGaming market.
In terms of security, a two-tier model will be introduced. This includes a mandatory information security test every two years and annual external vulnerability scans. These checks will be conducted by independent accredited bodies according to ISO or IEC standards and will be mandatory for all operators and suppliers.
Previously, the regulatory transition faced criticism for inaccuracies in planning, and experts warned of potential delays. However, the new drafts with detailed guidelines represent a positive step for market participants hoping to end Veikkaus's monopoly.
It is worth noting that the Finnish government intends to open the gambling market to foreign operators.