Finland is preparing to undertake a major transformation of its online gambling market. The country will move away from its long-standing state monopoly, historically overseen by the public operator Veikkaus Oy, and shift towards a competitive, licence-based system. As part of this reform, Helsinki has notified Brussels of two separate technical regulations: one focused on the security and IT reliability of gambling systems, and the other aimed at ensuring the integrity of random number generation (RNG). The new framework is scheduled to come into force in January 2027, with several intermediate milestones already set. 

System security and game integrity

The first regulation aims to establish stringent standards for IT security and technical reliability across all online gambling platforms. License holders will be required to ensure that gaming systems – including any draw devices – are protected against vulnerabilities, that personal data is adequately safeguarded, and that all infrastructures meet robust technical criteria. To achieve this, operators must undergo a comprehensive security audit every two years, complemented by an annual vulnerability scan performed by an accredited independent body. Should the assessment reveal deficiencies, operators must address the issues and pass a new audit within 90 days before being allowed to offer gambling services.

The second regulation focuses on a central pillar of gambling fairness: the integrity of random number generation. Every software or hardware component used to produce random outcomes – including slots, roulette, and card games – must undergo external, independent auditing. The audit must include source-code analysis, verification of seed number authenticity, separate testing of every component involved in RNG processes, and the use of statistically sound methodologies. Audit results will be compiled in a report submitted to the supervisory authority, which will be empowered to carry out follow-up inspections – including remote checks – to ensure continuous compliance. The goal is to guarantee genuine randomness, prevent manipulation, and enforce uniform, transparent standards across all operators.

From monopoly to licensing

These technical regulations form part of a much larger restructuring of Finland’s gambling legislation. Under the new Gambling Act, the country will move away from the state monopoly held by Veikkaus Oy and open the market to national and international operators through B2C and B2B licences. Online gambling licences are expected to become available from early 2026, with operators allowed to launch services from 2027. Game software licences will also be introduced in 2027 and are expected to become fully mandatory by 2028.

A new supervisory authority will replace the police-led oversight currently in place. This regulatory body will manage licensing, monitor market activity, enforce marketing rules, combat illegal gambling, and ensure high consumer-protection standards. Alongside this, mandatory player identification, age verification, self-exclusion tools and anti-money-laundering controls will complement the new framework.

Seen in this wider context, the two technical regulations on system security and randomisation form the operational backbone of a competitive yet tightly regulated gambling environment.

Implications for operators and players: compliance and trust

For operators, the reform represents a significant compliance milestone. Meeting the new requirements will demand considerable investment in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, technical governance and audit processes. Operators unable to demonstrate full compliance – including those currently active in offshore markets with looser standards – may find themselves excluded from the Finnish market.

For players, the benefits are considerable. Certified randomness, protected personal data, secure payment environments and continuous oversight all contribute to a safer and more transparent gambling experience. A regulated market, with mandatory audits and uniform standards, provides a greater level of trust and reduces reliance on unlicensed or potentially fraudulent operators.

However, the reform also introduces a cultural shift. Moving from a state monopoly to a competitive market redefines gambling as a commercial product rather than a public service. Some experts note the potential risk that market liberalisation could increase exposure to gambling, highlighting the need for strong consumer-protection measures and responsible-gaming tools.

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