Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has published draft regulations for the upcoming iGaming market, introducing mandatory return-to-player rates and strict limits on online slot gameplay. The proposed rules are scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2027, following the recent approval of the country’s Gambling Act.
Gameplay Restrictions and Session Controls
The draft regulations prohibit automated spinning features for online slots, requiring players to manually initiate each round. Animations must run for a minimum of 2.5 seconds without options to fast-forward, and operators must display clear notifications when player decisions do not affect random outcomes. The framework also mandates session reminders every 15 minutes, prompting users to confirm continued play or log out, with an exemption for player-versus-player casino modes. Uniform deadlines for prize claims are included to standardise administration.Return-to-Player Rates and Financial Limits
Financial transparency measures establish fixed return-to-player ranges across game categories. Slot machines and casino table games must operate within a 70% to 99.9% RTP window, while daily-draw betting products fall between 50% and 70%, and online betting products between 55% and 80%. Player protection rules introduce age-based stake caps, limiting online slot bets to €10 per spin for users under 25 and €20 for older players. Physical slot machines will face a daily loss limit of €500 and a monthly cap of €2,000.Market Response and Consultation Timeline
Industry participants have submitted up to 50 licence applications ahead of the market liberalisation. Antti Koivula, chief commercial officer at Hippos ATG, described the framework as "restrictive, but not quite Germany" and noted that additional regulatory guidance is expected. The Ministry of the Interior is conducting a public consultation until 5 August 2026, after which the draft provisions may be adjusted before final adoption.Stakeholder discussions over the past few months highlighted concerns regarding pending player protection measures, which these draft regulations aim to resolve before the sector opens.