TITLE: Finland's Ministry of Finance Opens Consultation on Gambling Supervision Authority Restructure
BODY:
On April 7, 2026, Finland's Ministry of Finance (Valtiovarainministeriö) launched a public consultation on a proposed amendment to the Government Decree on the Permission and Supervision Authority (896/2025). The consultation seeks feedback on restructuring gambling supervision operations within the Permission and Supervision Authority (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto).
As part of Finland's gambling system reform, gambling supervision responsibilities will transfer from the Police Board (Poliisihallitus) to the Permission and Supervision Authority on July 1, 2027. The proposed amendment establishes a dedicated Gambling Supervision unit (Rahapelivalvonta) within the authority to ensure effective regulatory operations. The new unit will manage gambling operator licensing, enforce compliance with gambling legislation and regulations, and oversee anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements. Strategic direction for gambling supervision will remain under the Ministry of the Interior (Sisäministeriö).
The proposed decree amendment is designed to take effect simultaneously with the transfer of gambling supervision functions on July 1, 2027. The consultation document includes the draft regulation and supporting memorandum, with a Swedish-language version added to the consultation portal on April 7, 2026.
Stakeholders including the Permission and Supervision Authority, Police Board, Ministry of the Interior, and other interested parties are invited to submit comments. The consultation period closes on April 28, 2026. Responses must be submitted through the consultation portal (lausuntopalvelu.fi) after registering and logging in. All submitted comments will be published publicly on the portal. Further information is available from project manager Tuula Lybeck ([email protected], +358 29 5530595) or department head Tero Meltti ([email protected], +358 29 5530770).
REFERENCES:
Lausuntopalvelu.fi - Consultation Portal (Finnish Government)