Finland Proposes Autoplay Ban, Stake Caps and Loss Limits
Finland has released a package of draft gambling regulations that would place new restrictions on online casino products and gambling venues as the country prepares to open its market to licensed operators in 2027.
The proposals, published by the Ministry of the Interior, build on the Gambling Act (10/2026) and provide additional detail on how player protection measures could work under the upcoming licensing framework. The draft rules arrive as interest in the future market continues to grow, with reports suggesting that around 50 licence applications have already been submitted.
Before the regulations become final, authorities will gather feedback through a public consultation process that remains open until 5 August 2026.
Draft Rules Target Online Casino Features
Several of the proposed measures focus on how online gambling products operate. One of the most significant changes would remove autoplay functionality from electronic slot-style games. Players would have to start each round themselves, preventing games from running continuously without further action.
The draft regulations would also introduce a minimum spin length of 2.5 seconds. Players would not be able to shorten game rounds by skipping animations or accelerating the display of results.
Another requirement would introduce mandatory reminders every 15 minutes during gambling sessions. These notifications would prompt players to make an active choice about whether they wish to continue playing or stop. The measure would apply to online gambling products as well as physical slot machines, although player-versus-player casino games would be excluded from the requirement.
The publication of the draft regulations provides additional clarity for operators and stakeholders who have been waiting for more information about the practical implementation of Finland’s future gambling framework.
New Stake Caps and Financial Controls
The proposals also set out several financial safeguards aimed at limiting gambling-related losses.
Under the draft framework, online slot games would carry a maximum stake of €20 per spin. Younger adults would face tighter restrictions, with players under the age of 25 limited to stakes of €10 per spin.
The regulations would also define permitted return-to-player (RTP) ranges across different gambling products. Slot machines and casino table games would be required to offer RTP levels between 70% and 99.9%. Online betting products would be restricted to a range of 55% to 80%, while daily-draw betting games would need to remain between 50% and 70%.
For land-based gambling machines, authorities have proposed several loss-control measures. Players would be limited to losses of €500 per day, €2,000 per month and €24,000 per year. In addition, gambling account balances would not be allowed to exceed €20,000.
Industry observers have already begun assessing the potential impact of the measures. Antti Koivula, chief commercial officer at Hippos ATG, described the proposals as: “Restrictive, but not quite Germany. Perhaps not even the Netherlands, at least not yet.”
He further noted: “That said, more regulation and regulative guidance to come so keep your fingers crossed.”
Fewer Gambling Machines Across the Country
The draft regulations also address the availability of gambling machines in physical locations.
If the proposals are adopted, retail venues across Finland would be limited to a total of 10,000 slot machines. Dedicated gaming halls would be permitted to operate up to 2,000 machines.
The government also intends to maintain its current approach to land-based casinos. Under the proposed framework, Finland would continue to allow only a single casino, located in Helsinki.
Together, the measures represent a significant step in Finland’s transition away from its existing gambling model and toward a regulated licensing system. The proposed restrictions place a strong emphasis on player protection through product controls, spending limits and responsible gambling tools ahead of the planned market opening on 1 July 2027.
Source:
Finland Sets Out New Gambling Controls for 2027, LCB.org, June 15, 2026