Sweden's gambling reform offers a warning as Finland prepares to open its own market
Seven years after Sweden's gambling reform, challenges remain as offshore operators continue to attract players, offering lessons for Finland's upcoming market.Summary
Sweden’s 2019 licensing reform aimed to channel 90 % of gambling into a regulated market, boost consumer protection, curb harm and raise tax revenue. While the number of licensed operators has surged and responsible‑gambling tools like "Spelpaus" are now mandatory, a sizable share of Swedish players still gamble on unlicensed offshore sites that target them. Regulators have proposed stronger enforcement, such as allowing banks to block payments to foreign operators and extending Swedish law to overseas providers, but the problem persists. Finland, set to open its own licensed market in 2027, faces similar questions: can it keep players within its regulated arena when cheaper or more enticing offshore options exist? Sweden’s experience shows that licensing alone is insufficient; competitiveness and robust enforcement are essential to achieve high channelisation rates. Finland’s policymakers can learn from Sweden’s successes and, more importantly, from its ongoing challenges.
(Source：Helsinki Times)