Finland Takes a Step Further to Strengthen its Gambling Monopoly

The Finnish Government is looking for ways to stop online operators from violating the state’s gambling laws.

While the European Gaming and Betting Association urges member states to open up the market for private operators, the Finland Cabinet Committee on Economic Policy has just announced new legislative measures to strengthen the government’s monopoly over the gambling industry.

The authorities will set up a digital monitoring group which will come up with a strategy to prevent online gambling operators from breaking Finnish gambling laws. By the end of 2014, the new monitoring body is supposed to prepare proposals to stop illegal gambling.

EC says Finnish monopoly is OK

The Committee has also called for measures against illegal marketing of gambling services and established that financial transfers will not serve as a primary instrument for now. The online monitoring group will work together with gambling operators and authorities to come up with an alternative.

Last November, the European Commission (EC) voiced concerns about Finland’s marketing of sports betting services, but then decided to close the infringement process against the state. According to local gambling news, this decision convinced Finnish authorities that they were in compliance with European laws and can move forward with their strategy.

After the Finnish Lotteries Act was amended twice and the government established a statutory gambling market, the EC decided that all requirements for a gambling monopoly were met and approved of the revised regulations.