New Finnish Report Warns of Increased Match-Fixing

New Finnish Report Warns of Increased Match-Fixing

Finland’s shift toward a regulated online gambling framework has sparked a wide-ranging discussion among political, sporting, and regulatory institutions, and a recent assessment from the Finnish National Sports Council has added a sharper dimension to that debate. As the country prepares to dismantle its long-standing monopoly in favor of a multi-licence structure by 2027, the council warns that the transition may introduce structural weaknesses that could elevate the risk of match manipulation within domestic sports. The concern stems not only from hypothetical projections but also from trends that have gradually emerged in recent seasons.

The current model, anchored in Veikkaus’ position as the sole licensed operator, has evolved around centralised oversight systems that allow data to be collected, compared, and escalated with a degree of coherence that may not transfer easily into a competitive marketplace. According to the council, a more fragmented system will inevitably reshape how information is exchanged, analysed, and interpreted across sports organisations. These organisations rely heavily on consistent monitoring channels, and any disruption to those channels could alter the way suspicious activity is identified or investigated.

Recent statistics support the council’s concerns. The Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports has recorded a steady rise in alerts that require deeper examination. While fewer than 20 such alerts were reported in 2022, the number jumped to more than 60 in 2023 and reached 71 in 2024. These alerts are not direct proof of manipulation, yet they indicate patterns that draw the attention of integrity units. Policymakers observing this upward trend worry that additional online gambling platforms may increase the flow of betting activity through more dispersed routes, making it harder to supervise uniformly.

The council’s report also draws on findings from a four-year investigation led by the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (SUEK). This inquiry focused on domestic floorball, which holds a significant following in Finland. Working with Veikkaus, investigators reviewed betting patterns on matches in the F-League and Inssi-Divari during the 2021–2025 period. A total of 114 players and club staff members were examined, with more than a thousand wagers traced back to this group.

According to the investigation, integrity breaches were concentrated within a small group of individuals who collectively generated the majority of problematic activity. Ten people, including players, club officials, and sporting staff, were linked to roughly 80 percent of the identified violations. Some of these wagers involved bets placed on matches featuring their own teams, including instances where individuals predicted defeats. The Sports Council has referenced the case as evidence that even under a monopoly system, vulnerabilities can emerge. The council argues that a more open online market could amplify these vulnerabilities unless oversight mechanisms are strengthened in advance.

Beyond floorball, the report notes that football and ice hockey remain particularly exposed due to their popularity and the volume of bets placed on them. Horse racing is also identified as a sector requiring close monitoring. Finland’s legal and organisational approach to sports integrity has historically prioritised anti-doping measures, mirroring patterns seen internationally. However, the Sports Council suggests that this focus has left fewer resources available for addressing betting-related threats, which now warrant broader and more structured attention.

To address these gaps, the council outlines several legal and institutional adjustments it considers necessary before the new gambling model becomes active. One suggestion involves introducing the concept of “sports fraud” into national legislation, giving investigators and prosecutors a clearer statutory basis for pursuing manipulation cases. Another recommendation calls for secure, long-term funding arrangements that would allow integrity units to operate without being overshadowed by anti-doping obligations.

The council also argues for a clearer organisational structure. It proposes that the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports be formally recognised as a regulatory authority with well-defined responsibilities. Currently, integrity functions are divided across multiple bodies, a situation the council believes could hinder coordination at a time when coordination will become increasingly important. A closer working relationship between the integrity centre and the Ministry of Education and Culture is also recommended to reinforce the idea that protecting sports integrity is a broad public policy question rather than a narrow administrative task.

A national action plan, jointly created by regulators, government departments, and sporting institutions, is another component of the council’s proposed framework. Such a plan would outline how information is to be shared across the different parties once Finland enters the multi-licence era. Without a single, agreed structure, the council warns that oversight may become inconsistent, allowing manipulation risks to grow simply because no unified monitoring system exists.

To contextualize its recommendations, the council examines developments in neighboring markets that have already transitioned from monopoly to competition. Sweden’s 2019 reform is highlighted as a relevant example. When Svenska Spel’s monopoly was replaced, Swedish authorities introduced several restrictions to mitigate manipulation risks, including limiting betting markets involving younger athletes. Germany’s approach is also noted, particularly its ban on bets related to amateur competitions, a measure intended to reduce the likelihood of exploitation in lower-tier matches.