Finnish Players Face Uncertain RTPs Under Licence-Based Model
Finland is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its gambling market, transitioning from Veikkaus' monopoly to a licence-based model. While this change aims to open the market to private operators and provide more options for players, concerns over player returns are mounting, as the minimum RTP (Return to Player) rates could drop as low as 80-90%, with slim hopes of it reaching 95%. This potential shift might leave Finnish players seeing their winnings diminish.
Finnplay Steps Up for Finland's Future iGaming Market
Finnplay, a Finland-based iGaming platform provider, has declared its readiness to support the new licensing framework. With deep roots in the Nordic market and a comprehensive understanding of local regulations, the company positions itself as a key player in helping operators navigate this transition.
The shift to a competitive licensing model is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027. Finnplay, leveraging its expertise in regulated markets, has already secured Letters of Intent with several stakeholders, establishing its role as a preferred platform provider for future Finnish operators.
Insight from Finnplay's Managing Director
Jaako Soininen, Managing Director of Finnplay, emphasised the company's local expertise, saying:
"Being based in Finland gives us unique insights into the opportunities and challenges of this market. We are proud to leverage our regulatory knowledge and innovative approach to bring the best value to operators in Finland."
He further highlighted the importance of robust and transparent regulations that protect both operators and players, a principle Finnplay advocates in all jurisdictions it operates.
Expanding Expertise Beyond Finland
Finnplay's reputation extends beyond the Nordics, with operations in markets such as the Netherlands and Hungary and licenses in eight regulated jurisdictions. The company's ISO 27001 certification and collaboration with Mindway AI to mitigate harmful gambling practices underscore its commitment to responsible gaming.
Players Brace for RTP Changes
While Finnplay's preparations bring optimism for operators, Finnish players may face challenges with potentially lower RTP rates. Should the minimum RTP drop to 80-90%, players might see reduced chances of securing significant returns, raising concerns about the fairness and competitiveness of the new model.
As Finland gears up for this seismic change, the iGaming landscape will undoubtedly evolve, with Finnplay at the forefront of shaping its future. Whether the changes will benefit players or primarily favor operators remains a topic of debate.
Mark Patterson is the news writer at CasinosInCanada who covers the latest developments in the iGaming industry, including casino launches, regulations, and market updates.
This is a significant step for Finland's iGaming sector, but the government must balance operator profitability and player satisfaction. If RTP rates drop too low, the appeal of licensed platforms might suffer, counteracting the purpose of the new model.
Finnplay’s collaboration with Mindway AI is an excellent move. Responsible gambling measures will be crucial during this market shift to ensure players' safety in a more competitive environment.
While the license-based model brings competition and innovation, transparent rules about RTP and player protections are a must. Without them, this could turn into a lose-lose situation for players and the overall reputation of Finland’s gaming market.
Finnplay being based in Finland gives it a significant advantage in understanding the local market. Their experience and focus on regulation could help ensure a smoother transition for operators and fairer practices for players.
It's worrying to see that the minimum RTP might drop to 80-90%. This could discourage Finnish players fr om participating in licensed platforms and push them toward unregulated markets wh ere the RTP is potentially higher. Clear regulations on RTP are essential for protecting players.