Finland is preparing to open its online gambling market in 2027. However, a new warning suggests that this shift could expose the country to a higher risk of match-fixing unless stronger protections are introduced. As the long-running Veikkaus monopoly moves toward a competitive model, sports regulators believe oversight could become more difficult at a time when suspicious betting activity is already growing.
Integrity Alerts Climb as Reform Approaches
Finland continues to see a sharp rise in integrity concerns. According to the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (FINCS), fewer than 20 alerts appeared in 2022. By comparison, the number surged to more than 60 in 2023 and climbed again to 71 cases in 2024. This upward trend highlights the increasing pressure on monitoring systems and reinforces fears that market expansion will open additional channels for manipulation.
Major Investigation Exposes Systemic Issues
A four-year investigation into professional floorball revealed deeper problems within domestic sports. SUEK reviewed betting patterns linked to more than 100 players and club officials from the F-League and Inssi-Divari between 2021 and 2025. Together, those individuals placed over 1,000 bets on Finnish matches.
Investigators found that 10 people were responsible for most of the violations. Some even wagered on their own teams to lose. Support from Veikkaus during the probe added transparency and demonstrated that existing controls already face significant challenges.
Multiple Sports Face Increased Exposure
Football, ice hockey, and horse racing stand out as the most vulnerable sectors. Historically, integrity frameworks in Finland have focused on anti-doping rather than betting manipulation. As a result, authorities may lack the tools needed to prevent match-fixing once the market becomes more competitive.
The National Sports Council recommends adding a clear definition of sports fraud into Finnish law, securing stronger long-term funding for oversight programs, and formally extending FINCS’ regulatory authority. Moreover, it encourages tighter cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the development of a national action plan to protect sports integrity after the monopoly ends.
What Finland Can Learn from Europe
Other European markets faced similar risks when moving away from monopolies. For example, Sweden introduced its multi-licence system in 2019 and immediately banned betting on youth matches to lower manipulation threats. Germany followed by blocking bets on amateur events. Both strategies provide practical solutions Finland could adopt to safeguard domestic sports.
Reform Brings Opportunity — and Responsibility
Finland’s shift to a regulated online gambling market will create major commercial opportunities and strengthen consumer protections. Nevertheless, the report warns that these benefits must go hand-in-hand with tougher controls. Without proactive reform, criminals could exploit regulatory gaps and put athletes, fans, and sporting credibility at risk.
As the 2027 launch draws closer, one question becomes increasingly urgent:
Can Finland protect the integrity of its sports while opening its online gambling market to greater competition?
