Finland match-fixing risks rise with regulated online gambling

The Finnish National Sports Council (FNSC) has issued a cautionary statement regarding the country’s plans to introduce a regulated online gambling market. Under the new Finnish Gambling Act, the government aims to end the long-standing state monopoly and open the sector to competition in 2027. While the reform is intended to modernize the market and provide greater consumer choice, the FNSC has raised concerns that this shift could weaken existing monitoring mechanisms and create new vulnerabilities for match-fixing in Finnish sports.

Rising concerns over sports integrity in Finland

Recent years have already shown an upward trend in suspicious betting activity across Finnish sports. Data from the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (FINCS) illustrates a significant increase in reports of potential manipulation. Specifically, alerts submitted to the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (SUEK) rose from fewer than 20 in 2022 to more than 60 in 2023, reaching 71 cases in 2024.

These statistics suggest that the risk of match-fixing is not hypothetical but an ongoing issue. The FNSC warns that the liberalization of the gambling market, without robust monitoring safeguards, may further exacerbate these risks, particularly in professional and amateur competitions.

Investigations reveal systemic vulnerabilities

A recent four-year investigation conducted by SUEK highlights the depth of the problem. The probe, carried out in collaboration with Veikkaus, Finland’s state-run gambling operator, examined potential match-fixing in the country’s professional floorball competitions, focusing on the F-League and Inssi-Divari between 2021 and 2025.

The investigation analyzed betting patterns and activity involving 114 players and club officials, collectively placing over a thousand bets on domestic matches. The findings were striking: ten individuals, including players, managers, and sporting directors, were responsible for approximately 80 percent of the violations identified. Some of these individuals placed bets on their own teams, including wagers predicting their teams’ losses, a clear breach of sporting integrity and ethical conduct.

Vulnerable sports and gaps in legislation

While floorball has been a focus due to the investigation, Finland’s most popular sports, football and ice hockey, are also considered highly vulnerable to betting-related manipulation. Horse racing, a sport traditionally linked to gambling, is similarly at risk.

The report emphasizes that Finland’s current sports integrity legislation is heavily focused on anti-doping measures. Although anti-doping frameworks are robust, they do not fully address the complexities of match-fixing and betting-related manipulation. The FNSC report calls for broader legislative coverage to mitigate risks associated with betting fraud before the monopoly held by Veikkaus comes to an end.

Recommendations for strengthening sports integrity

To address these risks, the report outlines several strategic measures. One recommendation is the introduction of the legal concept of “sports fraud” within Finland’s legislation. Defining such an offence would provide authorities with a clearer framework for investigating and prosecuting betting-related violations.

The report also suggests establishing a long-term funding strategy to rebalance resources. Historically, anti-doping efforts have received the majority of sports integrity funding, leaving other areas, such as betting-related monitoring, under-resourced. A dedicated allocation of funds for preventing match-fixing would allow authorities to maintain robust oversight even as the market evolves.

Enhancing institutional coordination

The FNSC report also highlights the need for stronger institutional collaboration. Recommendations include formalizing the role of FINCS as a regulatory authority with expanded oversight capabilities. Greater collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture is advised to integrate sports integrity measures across all levels of competition.

Additionally, the creation of a national action plan involving government agencies, regulators, and sports organizations is proposed. Such a coordinated approach could ensure that monitoring and prevention strategies are effectively implemented, reducing the likelihood of systemic manipulation.

International parallels and lessons

The report draws comparisons with other European countries that have transitioned from state-run monopolies to regulated online betting systems. Sweden, for example, ended Svenska Spel’s monopoly in 2019, adopting a multi-licence model that allows private operators to compete under strict regulatory oversight. Swedish authorities introduced measures such as banning betting on youth sports to mitigate integrity risks.

Germany provides another example, where authorities opted to prohibit betting on amateur sports entirely, prioritizing the protection of lower-level competitions from manipulation. Finland’s report suggests that adopting similar preventative measures could be beneficial, particularly in professional leagues where the risk of match-fixing is highest.

Preparing for the 2027 market transition

As Finland prepares for the launch of its regulated online gambling market in 2027, policymakers face a delicate balance. On one hand, liberalization aims to modernize the sector, increase tax revenues, and offer greater choice to consumers. On the other hand, introducing competition could complicate monitoring efforts, increase the volume of betting, and make suspicious activity more difficult to detect.

The FNSC report underscores that a proactive approach is essential. By implementing stronger legal frameworks, allocating dedicated resources, and fostering cross-institutional collaboration, Finland can safeguard sports integrity while moving toward a competitive online gambling market.

The importance of public awareness and education

The report also highlights the role of education and public awareness in preventing match-fixing. Athletes, coaches, and officials should receive mandatory training on the risks of sports manipulation and the legal consequences of betting on competitions. Promoting a culture of integrity and transparency is essential to ensuring that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities and the potential repercussions of unethical conduct.

Strengthening monitoring technologies

Technological advancements also play a crucial role in detecting suspicious betting patterns. Advanced algorithms and real-time data monitoring can identify irregular betting behavior, providing regulators with actionable intelligence. The report suggests that Finland should invest in these systems to enhance its capacity to prevent and respond to potential match-fixing incidents.

Conclusion

The transition to a regulated online gambling market in Finland presents both opportunities and risks. While competition may foster innovation and consumer choice, the potential for increased match-fixing cannot be ignored. The Finnish National Sports Council’s report serves as a timely warning, emphasizing the need for legislative reform, enhanced funding, stronger institutional collaboration, and public education.

By adopting a comprehensive approach, including the legal recognition of sports fraud, increased oversight, and advanced monitoring technologies, Finland can mitigate the risks associated with gambling liberalization. Ensuring that sports integrity remains a top priority will be essential in protecting athletes, preserving public trust, and maintaining the credibility of Finnish sports as the country moves toward a more competitive gambling landscape.

FAQs

What is the Finnish Gambling Act?
The Finnish Gambling Act is legislation that regulates gambling in Finland, including plans to open the online market to competition in 2027.

Why is the Finnish National Sports Council concerned about match-fixing?
The council warns that ending the state monopoly may weaken monitoring mechanisms, increasing the risk of betting-related manipulation.

What is SUEK?
SUEK, or the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports, investigates suspicious betting activity and other threats to sports integrity in Finland.

Which sports are most at risk of match-fixing in Finland?
Football, ice hockey, horse racing, and professional floorball are considered particularly vulnerable.

What were the findings of the SUEK investigation in floorball?
The investigation found ten individuals responsible for 80% of violations, including betting on their own teams and losses.

What is “sports fraud” according to the report?
Sports fraud is proposed as a legal concept to criminalize manipulation of competitions, including betting-related actions.

How does Finland’s legislation currently address sports integrity?
Current laws focus primarily on anti-doping measures, leaving gaps in regulation for betting manipulation.

What international examples were cited in the report?
Sweden and Germany were cited, highlighting multi-license systems and restrictions on betting for amateur competitions.

What measures are recommended to strengthen integrity?
Recommendations include legal reforms, dedicated funding, formalized oversight, national action plans, education, and technology-based monitoring.

When will Finland open its regulated online gambling market?
The market is expected to launch in 2027, ending Veikkaus’ state monopoly and introducing competition among licensed operators.