Finland Proposes Legal Changes to Allow Scratchcards as Gifts
Finland.- 14 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament seeking to restore the ability to give lottery scratchcards as gifts, a practice restricted following the introduction of mandatory player identification requirements in 2024.
The initiative proposes amendments to the Lotteries Act and the new Gambling Act, allowing an adult other than the original purchaser to claim winnings from a scratchcard.
The proposal forms part of Finland’s broader gambling regulatory reform, which will allow licensed private operators to enter certain segments of the market from 1 July 2027.
Mandatory Identification Created Restrictions
Since the beginning of 2024, Finland has required customers purchasing scratchcards to verify their identity.
The measure was introduced as part of efforts to strengthen responsible gambling controls and prevent underage participation.
However, the regulations also established that only the identified purchaser could claim any winnings associated with the ticket.
Consequently, scratchcards could no longer be effectively purchased as gifts for friends or relatives, as recipients were unable to collect potential prizes.
Proposal Allows Other Adults to Claim Prizes
The Ministry of the Interior’s proposal aims to resolve this restriction without removing mandatory identification requirements.
Under the proposed rules:
- Purchasers must continue verifying their identity when buying scratchcards.
- Tickets must be purchased through a registered Veikkaus account.
- Gift recipients may claim prizes even if they did not purchase the ticket.
- Prize claimants must be at least 18 years old.
- Recipients will not need to be registered Veikkaus players.
- The operator must verify the recipient’s age before paying winnings.
The initiative therefore distinguishes between the obligations of the original purchaser and those of the person receiving the ticket as a gift.
Veikkaus Will Maintain Verification Controls
Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned gambling operator, will remain responsible for ensuring scratchcards are purchased by registered and identified customers.
If the legislative changes are approved, the company will also be required to verify the age of individuals claiming prizes, including those who were not the original purchasers.
The Government aims to restore scratchcard gifting while maintaining safeguards designed to prevent underage gambling.
The proposed framework also anticipates the requirements applying to the future holder of the relevant exclusive gambling licence.
Legislative Process Throughout 2026
The proposal follows a review process initiated earlier in 2026.
In January, the Ministry of the Interior began examining whether scratchcard winnings could be claimed by someone other than the original purchaser.
A feasibility study published on 20 April subsequently concluded that legislative amendments would be necessary.
On 18 June, the Government launched a public consultation on the proposed changes.
The consultation period closed on 13 August 2026, enabling the legislative process to move towards formal parliamentary consideration.
Two-Stage Implementation
The Government proposes implementing the changes through two separate legislative measures.
The first would amend the existing Lotteries Act.
This temporary provision would enter into force as soon as possible following approval and remain effective until 30 June 2027.
The second amendment would form part of the new Gambling Act, scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2027.
The two-stage approach is designed to provide regulatory continuity during Finland’s transition to its new licensing system.
Finland’s Gambling Market Opens in July 2027
The proposal coincides with a major transformation of Finland’s gambling regulatory framework.
Currently, Veikkaus maintains exclusive rights over the country’s principal gambling activities.
However, from 1 July 2027, licensed private operators will be permitted to enter certain segments of the Finnish gambling market.
The reform will end Veikkaus’ exclusivity over sports betting and online gaming products covered by the new licensing framework.
The Government aims to establish a supervised competitive market while strengthening consumer protection.
Lottery Products Will Remain Exclusive
Although the reform will introduce competition in several gambling sectors, not all products will become available to private operators.
Veikkaus will retain exclusive rights over certain activities, including:
- Traditional lottery games.
- Scratchcards and instant lottery products.
- Land-based slot machines.
- Land-based casino games.
As a result, scratchcard gifting will remain part of the segment reserved for the state-owned operator.
This distinction represents an important component of Finland’s new gambling regulatory structure.
Responsible Gambling and Underage Protection
The legislative proposal maintains the principle that both purchasing scratchcards and claiming prizes must be restricted to adults.
Mandatory identification will continue to serve as a safeguard controlling access to lottery products.
Meanwhile, age verification for prize recipients will allow scratchcards to be given as gifts without permitting minors to collect winnings.
The initiative seeks to balance an established consumer practice with modern player protection requirements.
Next Steps and Impact
The Ministry of the Interior’s proposal represents a targeted adjustment within Finland’s wider gambling reform.
If approved, it would restore the ability to give scratchcards as gifts and allow adults other than the original purchaser to claim prizes, while preserving mandatory identification requirements.
Parliament must now consider the proposed amendments before they can take effect.
Meanwhile, Finland continues preparing for the introduction of licensed competition in certain gambling segments from July 2027.
The reform seeks to balance regulatory modernisation, continuity for traditional lottery products and measures designed to prevent underage participation in gambling activities.
Editó: @fonta
