TITLE: Finland's Ministry of Justice Opens Consultation on Gambling Regulations for New Licensing System
BODY:
On June 10, 2026, Finland's Ministry of Justice launched a public consultation on four proposed regulations implementing the new gambling framework established by the Gambling Act (10/2026). The consultation seeks feedback on draft regulations governing the implementation and operation of gambling activities under the new licensing system, which takes effect July 1, 2027.
The consultation addresses four regulatory proposals: a Government Decree on gambling implementation by exclusive licence holders; a Ministry of Justice Decree on game rules for exclusive licence holders; a Ministry of Justice Decree establishing the commencement date for prize redemption periods; and a Ministry of Justice Decree on gambling implementation by standard licence holders. These regulations implement provisions of the Gambling Act relating to game characteristics, player protections, and harm reduction measures. The regulations apply to both exclusive licence holders and standard gambling licence holders operating under Finland's new licensing framework. The consultation forms part of the broader legislative transition to a new gambling system, following parliament's approval of the legislative proposal on December 16, 2025. The Ministry of Justice has been preparing these implementing regulations since December 17, 2025, as part of a legislative project established on October 23, 2023.
Stakeholders including gambling operators, industry associations, consumer protection bodies, harm prevention organisations, and government agencies are invited to submit feedback. The comment period closes on August 5, 2026. Responses can be submitted through the consultation portal (lausuntopalvelu.fi) or by email to the Ministry of Justice registry. All submitted comments will be published on the government's project pages, except that private individuals' comments will only be published online if they explicitly request this in writing.
REFERENCES:
https://lausuntopalvelu.fi/lausuntopyynto/lausuntopyynto-rahapelilakiin-sisaltyvien-asetuksenantovaltuussaannoksien-nojalla-annettavista-asetusluonnoksista