According to the information garnered during the study period, gambling outside the monopoly system has increased and causes significant gambling-related harm.
The study presented two options for developing the gambling system – strengthening the current gambling monopoly system or switching to a licence model for online casino games and online betting.
The government will end Veikkaus’ monopoly within online casino games and online betting. It is thought Veikkaus will retain its monopoly status for the lottery and retail slot machines.
According to the government programme, the monopoly activities remaining with Veikkaus and the activities in the competitive market will be separated into different companies within the same group.
The project will also investigate the transfer of game machines to separate controlled areas in accordance with the government programme.
A ministry spokesperson said: “The aim is to strengthen supervision of the gambling industry when entering the licence system. The preparation will take into account the social impacts of the licence system, especially the impacts on gambling-related harm.”
Earlier this year, Veikkaus said it expects to cut jobs and close gaming arcades as part of its preparations for the end of the country’s gambling monopoly.
Veikkaus warned that the restructure could lead to the loss of approximately 240 jobs. The operator also plans to reduce the number of its gaming venues from 65 to between 40 and 50.
