TITLE: Finland's Ministry of The Interior Establishes Regulations for Monopoly Gambling Operator Implementation
BODY:
On June 10, 2026, Finland's Ministry of The Interior released a draft government decree establishing comprehensive regulations for the implementation of gambling games by the monopoly gambling operator under the new Gambling Act (10/2026). The decree will govern the operational framework for the monopoly licence holder, which operates under exclusive rights granted by the state.
The decree addresses multiple regulatory dimensions of gambling operations. It establishes payout percentages (return-to-player rates) for different game types, ranging from 45 to 99.9 percent depending on the game category, including slot machines, casino games, and lottery-style games. The regulations specify procedures for handling unclaimed winnings, rounding of winnings, and the allocation of surplus funds generated from gambling operations. The decree also sets maximum limits on gambling machines and casino games in different venue types: 10,000 machines in gaming points, 2,000 in gaming halls, and 400 machines plus 60 casino games in the single casino located in Helsinki. Gaming halls are capped at 60 locations, and the casino may operate between 12:00 and 04:00 daily. Additionally, the decree establishes mandatory loss limits for slot machines located in gaming points and gaming halls: EUR 500 daily, EUR 2,000 monthly, and EUR 24,000 annually.
The decree aims to strengthen consumer protection, prevent gambling-related harms, and ensure responsible gambling practices under the new regulatory framework. The consultation period ran from June 10, 2026 to August 5, 2026. The decree is scheduled to enter into force on July 1, 2027, coinciding with the implementation of the new Gambling Act and the commencement of monopoly licence-based gambling operations.