Finland Reviews Its Scratchcard Gifting Ban

Finland Reviews Its Scratchcard Gifting Ban

Finland has reopened discussion of a regulatory decision introduced only a year ago, as policymakers begin reviewing whether scratchcards should be allowed again as gifts. The review follows the recent publication of the revised Finnish Gambling Act. It takes place against the backdrop of a broader restructuring of the country’s gambling system, which is moving toward a multi-licensing model.

The issue centres on a restriction that entered into force in January 2024, when Finland introduced mandatory identity checks for all gambling activities operated by state-owned Veikkaus. Under that framework, scratchcards could still be purchased, but only the buyer could claim any prize. This effectively removed scratchcards from their long-standing role as casual gifts, as prizes could not be transferred to another individual.

The current review, which is expected to conclude by the end of March, will assess whether that limitation should be revised. Specifically, authorities are examining whether legislative changes would allow scratchcards to be purchased for someone else and enable the recipient to claim any winnings in their own name. Officials have indicated that discussions within the Administrative Committee raised the possibility that both the Gambling Act and the Lotteries Act may need amendments if such a change is pursued.

Although the matter may appear narrow, it has attracted attention due to its timing. Finland is in the early stages of dismantling one of Europe’s last remaining gambling monopolies. Under the planned reform, scheduled to take effect in July 2027, parts of the gambling market will open to licensed competition, particularly in online betting and casino products. Veikkaus, which currently controls almost all legal gambling activity in the country, is expected to be split into two separate operations.

One branch of Veikkaus will operate in competitive segments alongside private operators holding Finnish licences. The other will retain exclusive rights over lottery products and certain land-based gambling activities. Scratchcards fall squarely within this monopoly segment, meaning they will remain outside the scope of competition even after the new system is introduced.

This structural context has shaped how market participants interpret the scratchcard review. Some operators preparing for Finland’s future licensing regime have questioned whether the proposal is primarily about consumer choice or intended to stabilise revenue for the state-owned operator. From their perspective, any regulatory adjustment affecting scratchcards would benefit only Veikkaus, without altering conditions for incoming licensees.

Concerns have also been raised about the policy rationale behind reconsidering a restriction introduced so recently. The 2024 reforms, including universal identification requirements, were presented as measures designed to strengthen oversight and reduce gambling-related harm. Critics argue that allowing scratchcards to be gifted again could weaken the link between individual identification and product access, particularly if tickets are passed on without any direct interaction between the recipient and the operator.

Antti Koivula, chief compliance officer at Hippos ATG, has publicly questioned the justification for revisiting the ban. He has suggested that while the review is formally framed around gift-giving practices, its practical effect would be to reverse a change that reduced scratchcard sales. Koivula has also pointed out that scratchcards will remain a monopoly product, meaning the outcome of the review is unlikely to be relevant to companies planning to apply for Finnish licences under the new regime.

From a regulatory perspective, the short time frame between the introduction of the ban and its reassessment has prompted questions about consistency. Critics argue that if the original decision was grounded in concerns about gambling harm and traceability, any reversal would need to explain what has changed since then clearly. Without such an explanation, they warn, the review risks appearing disconnected from the broader objectives of the gambling reform.

At the same time, policymakers face practical considerations. Scratchcards have long been embedded in everyday social customs in Finland, often exchanged during holidays or celebrations. The 2024 rules disrupted that practice, and consumer feedback may be part of what prompted the government to revisit the issue. The challenge lies in reconciling these social habits with a regulatory framework that prioritises accountability and harm prevention.