Finland is preparing to ban autoplay features on slot machines as part of a major overhaul of its gambling regulations, with draft rules requiring players to manually start each game round to reduce gambling-related harm.
The proposed changes are part of a major gambling reform package scheduled to take effect from 1 July 2027. While Finland is moving towards a new competitive licensing model for parts of the gambling sector, the draft also introduces some of the country’s strictest player protection measures to date. It is open for public consultations till 5 August 2026.
Under the proposal, autoplay will be prohibited across electronic slot games. This means that players will no longer be able to set a machine to automatically play multiple rounds without further interaction. Instead, every spin must be started manually.
Echoing Germany and UK laws
Regulators believe the measure will help prevent players from continuing to gamble without actively engaging with each wager. Similar autoplay restrictions have already been introduced in several European markets, including the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
The draft goes further by introducing measures designed to slow down gameplay. Every round would be required to last at least 2.5 seconds, while players would not be allowed to skip game animations or fast-track results to instantly see outcomes.
Another proposal that has attracted attention is a mandatory gameplay reminder. Every 15 minutes, both online gambling platforms and physical slot machines would have to display a notification showing how long a player has been gambling. Players would then need to actively choose whether to continue playing or log out.
New limit on stakes
The reforms also include new limits on stakes and losses. For online slot machines, the maximum stake would be capped at €20 per spin. Players under 25 would face a stricter €10 limit. Physical slot machines would be subject to daily and monthly loss limits, as well as a new annual loss cap of €24,000.
There will be changes in prize claims too. Lottery and scratch-card winnings would need to be claimed within one year, while casino and slot machine winnings would generally have to be collected within three months. Any unclaimed prizes would be returned to future prize pools.
The reforms would also reshape the operations of Finland’s state-owned gambling operator, Veikkaus. The maximum number of slot machines permitted in retail locations such as supermarkets, kiosks and service stations would be reduced from 18,600 to 10,000. Dedicated gaming halls would be limited to 2,000 machines, while Veikkaus would only be allowed to operate one land-based casino in Helsinki.
Additional financial safeguards are also included. Player gaming accounts would be limited to a maximum balance of €20,000, while slot machines and casino games would be required to maintain payout percentages between 70 per cent and 99.9 per cent over the year.
More amendments expected
While the autoplay ban is expected to dominate headlines, industry observers say it is unlikely to come as a surprise given the direction of Finland’s gambling reform process. Speaking exclusively to SiGMA News, Hippos ATG Chief Commercial Officer Antti Koivula said the measure had been widely anticipated by those following the proposed changes.
“The autoplay ban will likely be the main headline, but it should not come as a major surprise to anyone who has followed the process,” Koivula said. He also noted that “the proposed 15-minute gameplay reminder was the more unexpected element of the draft, while the 2.5-second minimum game duration and stake limits of €20, or €10 for players under 25, were more balanced than anticipated.”
If approved, the reforms would mark one of the biggest changes to Finland’s gambling framework in recent years, with regulators placing a stronger focus on player protection and responsible gambling measures.
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