Key Terms
B2B Licence (Business-to-Business)
A separate licence required from July 2028 for companies supplying gambling software, platforms, payment processing, or technical infrastructure to licensed Finnish operators. Finland is the first Nordic country to mandate B2B licensing. This extends regulatory oversight to the entire supply chain — game developers, platform providers, data analytics suppliers, and payment processors must all hold licences.
B2C Licence (Business-to-Consumer)
The primary gambling licence for operators serving Finnish players directly. Applications opened March 2026. Covers online casino, sports betting, poker, and lottery products. 40–50 operators expected to apply.
Channelisation
The percentage of total gambling activity that occurs within the licensed, regulated market (as opposed to offshore/unlicensed). Finland's target is 90% — meaning nine of every ten euros gambled should flow through licensed operators. Denmark achieved 85–90% within three years of licensing. Norway's monopoly achieves approximately 65%.
DNS Blocking
A technical enforcement measure where internet service providers are required to block access to websites of unlicensed gambling operators. Included in Finland's new Gambling Act alongside PSP blocking as part of the enforcement toolkit.
Fennica Gaming
A subsidiary of Veikkaus that develops and sells gambling software (eInstants and iCasino products) to operators in 17 countries. GaaS revenue nearly doubled to €4.4 million in 2025. Represents Veikkaus' B2B pivot ahead of the monopoly's end.
GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue)
The total amount wagered by players minus the total amount paid out as winnings. GGR is the standard measure of gambling market size and the basis for taxation. Finland's total GGR is approximately €1,835 million (2025), comprising €936 million (Veikkaus) and €903 million (offshore).
GGR Tax
The tax levied on licensed operators' gross gaming revenue. Finland's rate is 22%, compared to Sweden's 18% and Denmark's 28%. The tax replaces the previous model where Veikkaus' profits were transferred directly to the Finnish state.
Identified Play (100%)
Finland's requirement that all gambling — online and physical, including slot machines in shops — requires player identification. Mandatory for all Veikkaus products since December 2023. Extended to all licensed operators under the new system. No anonymous gambling is permitted. Unique in the Nordics at this level of comprehensiveness.
Lotteriinspektionen / Lupa- ja valvontavirasto
The Finnish regulatory authority responsible for gambling supervision. The Finnish Lottery Inspectorate (Lotteriinspektionen) is currently receiving licence applications, with supervisory functions transferring to Lupa- ja valvontavirasto (the Licensing and Supervision Authority).
Offshore Operator
A gambling operator that offers services to Finnish players without a Finnish licence. Offshore operators currently control 76.6% of the online casino market and 72% of betting. Their GGR reached €903 million in 2025. Under the new system, offshore operators face PSP blocking, DNS blocking, and their players' winnings are taxed as income.
Panic Button
A mandatory player protection feature requiring licensed operators to offer immediate play suspension. When activated, all gambling stops instantly — no confirmation dialogs — and remains suspended until the end of the following day.
Peluuri
Finland's national gambling helpline. Reported over 10,000 contacts in 2024. The majority related to gambling at offshore operators lacking player protection tools. Operates phone lines, chat services, and support groups for both gamblers and affected family members.
PSP Blocking (Payment Service Provider Blocking)
An enforcement mechanism where banks and payment processors are required to block transactions to known unlicensed gambling operators. Finland implemented PSP blocking in 2023 — one of the first European countries to do so. Reduces money flow to offshore operators.
Riksrevisionen
Sweden's National Audit Office. Published report RiR 2026:1 in February 2026, concluding that Swedish gambling regulation is “not effective” and that child protection efforts are “particularly inadequate”. The report is frequently cited in Finnish reform discussions as a warning example.
Self-Exclusion Register
A centralized national database of players who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling. Finland's system (from 2027) covers ALL licensed operators — a single registration blocks access everywhere. Differs from Sweden's Spelpaus.se which is voluntary and operator-dependent.
THL (Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos)
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Conducts the national population surveys on gambling, including the 2023 study showing 4.2% problem gambling prevalence (151,000 people) and 6.9% among young men 18–24.
Veikkaus Oy
Finland's state-owned gambling company, holding the monopoly since 2017 (formed from merger of RAY, Veikkaus, and Fintoto). GGR of €936 million (2025), down 26% from 2020. Digital market share has fallen from 84% to 39%. Will transition to a licensed operator from July 2027.
Quick Reference Table
| Term | Key Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| GGR (total market) | €1,835M | 2025 |
| Channelisation target | 90% | Finland's goal |
| GGR tax | 22% | On licensed operators |
| PSP blocking | Since 2023 | Enforcement tool |
| Identified play | 100% | All channels |
| B2B licensing | From July 2028 | Supply chain |
| Problem gambling | 4.2% (151,000) | THL 2023 |
| Offshore GGR | €903M | 2025 |
Sources
- Finnish Gambling Act (2026)
- Veikkaus Annual Report 2025
- THL Population Survey 2023
- H2 Gambling Capital
- Riksrevisionen RiR 2026:1
- Peluuri Annual Report 2024
- Bonusetu.media
Tommi Korhonen
Gambling Market Analyst at Bonusetu. Veteran of the Finnish gambling industry, specializing in market data analysis and regulatory intelligence. Available for media inquiries and expert commentary.