The 22% Tax Reality: Finland's New Gambling Law Creates a "Fiscal Trap" for Grey Market Casino Players
Washingtoner/10313233

HELSINKI - Washingtoner -- As the Finnish Parliament moves to adopt the new Gambling Act (HaVM 28/2025 vp), the focus has shifted to the financial instruments designed to force the market into regulation. Bonusetu.com, a premier market intelligence platform, has released an analysis of the new fiscal landscape, warning that Finnish players who continue to use unlicensed sites after July 1, 2027, face severe financial risks.

While the new law establishes a uniform 22% tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for licensed operators—a rate confirmed after the Administration Committee rejected proposals to raise it to 25.5%—the most significant financial impact falls on the consumer.

The "Tax Trap" for Unlicensed Play

Bonusetu's analysis highlights a critical change in the Income Tax Act (Tuloverolaki) designed to destroy the appeal of the black market.

• The Rule: Winnings from licensed operators (both Finnish and EEA-licensed sites within the system) will remain tax-free for the player. However, winnings from unlicensed/non-EEA sites will be classified as taxable earned income (veronalaista ansiotuloa).
• The "Loss Deduction" Nightmare: Crucially, the Committee Report clarifies that players on unlicensed sites cannot deduct their overall losses from their taxable winnings.
• Example: If a player loses €2,000 on an unlicensed site but then wins €1,000 in a single bet, they are liable to pay income tax on that €1,000 win, despite being down €1,000 overall.
• Exception: Only the specific stake of the winning bet is deductible.

Market Viability Secured with 22% Rate

More on Washingtoner

• TheOneLofi2: New Home for Chill Lo-Fi Hip Hop Beats Launches on YouTube
• Spokane: Flags to be Lowered for Trooper Killed in Line of Duty
• eJoule Inc Participates in Silicon Dragon CES 2026
• HBZBZL Unveils "Intelligent Ecosystem" Strategy: Integrating AI Analytics with Web3 Incubation
• Kaltra Launches Next-Gen MCHEdesign With Full Integration Into MCHEselect — Instant Simulation & Seamless Microchannel Coil Workflow

For operators, the confirmed 22% tax rate is a "green light" for investment.

• Competitive Positioning: The Committee explicitly rejected a higher VAT-aligned tax (25.5%), citing evidence that a rate above 22% would fail to channel the market effectively. This aligns Finland with Sweden (22%) and keeps it competitive against high-tax jurisdictions.
• Level Playing Field: In a historic shift, the state monopoly Veikkaus Oy will lose its corporate tax exemption. Under the new law, both Veikkaus and private license holders will pay the same corporate income tax, ensuring true competitive neutrality.

Supervision Fees Confirmed

In addition to the 22% tax, operators will fund the new supervisory authority through annual fees based on their Gross Gaming Revenue. These fees range from €4,000 for small operators to €434,000 for market leaders with GGR over €50 million.

Embedded Quote "The government is using the tax code as a weapon against the grey market, and it's going to work. The realization that you cannot deduct losses—meaning you could lose money overall and still owe taxes on a single win—makes playing on unlicensed sites financially irrational. This is the strongest 'channeling' tool in the entire legislation." — Tommi Korhonen, Founder of Bonusetu.com

More on Washingtoner

• A Well-Fed World, Youth Climate Save and PAN International Launch PHRESH: A Global Directory of Plant-Based Hunger Relief Organizations
• Spokane: Shoplifting Blitz Nets Multiple Arrests as SPD Works to Curb Retail Thefts; Emphasis Continues as Christmas Approaches
• Haven Treatment Center Licensing Delays by Washington State Impeding Mental Health Access
• Tacoma: Update in SR-509 Fatal Collision Investigation: Vehicle of Interest Impounded
• Sexual Assault Suspect That Fled Spokane Area, Arrested in Connecticut; Extradition to Washington State Pending

About Bonusetu.com Established in 2016 in Helsinki, Bonusetu.com is a leading comparison platform specializing in online casinos and iGaming market analysis. With a team boasting over 100 years of combined experience, Bonusetu provides Finnish consumers with transparent, data-driven reviews of casino operators, game software, and market regulations.

For more information, please visit https://www.bonusetu.com.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonusetu/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/bonusetu_com
• GBP: https://share.google/S1obwB4k7CxotcSBo