Finland's Court Just Changed the Game for Pro Bettors

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-07

### A Five-Year Fight Finally Ends Imagine betting for a living, winning some, losing some, and then getting taxed on your gross winnings while your losses are ignored. That's exactly what happened to Antti Koivula, a professional bettor and Chief Compliance Officer at Hippos ATG. Back in 2020, he placed 2,145 bets. When tax time came, he tried to deduct his losing wagers from his taxable betting income. The Finnish tax authorities said no. Koivula said yes. And that disagreement turned into a five-year legal battle. Now, Finland's Supreme Administrative Court has finally ruled in his favor. Professional bettors can deduct their losses from their taxable betting income. It's a decision that could shake up the gambling market just as major regulatory changes are set to hit in 2027. ### Why This Ruling Matters More Than You Think At first glance, this might seem like a niche tax issue. But it's actually a big deal for anyone who bets seriously. Here's why: - **Fairness:** If you're taxed on your winnings, you should be able to write off your losses. It's how most businesses operate. Why should betting be any different? - **Precedent:** This sets a legal standard. Other countries might look at Finland and think, "Hmm, maybe we should do that too." - **2027 regulations:** Finland is planning a major overhaul of its gambling system in 2027. This ruling could shape how those new rules treat professional bettors. ### The Man Behind the Case Antti Koivula isn't your average gambler. He's a compliance officer at Hippos ATG, which means he knows the rules inside and out. When he challenged the tax decision, he wasn't just fighting for himself. He was fighting for every professional bettor who's ever been told, "You can't deduct that." > "This isn't about avoiding taxes. It's about being taxed fairly. If my losses aren't deductible, then the tax isn't on my income—it's on my turnover. That's not how income tax should work." – Antti Koivula (paraphrased) ### What It Means for Bettors in the U.S. and Beyond If you're in the United States and you bet professionally, you might be wondering if this affects you. Not directly—this is a Finnish court decision. But it adds to a growing global conversation about how gambling winnings and losses should be taxed. In the U.S., professional gamblers can deduct losses up to the amount of winnings, but only if they itemize deductions. That's not the same as deducting losses from income before tax. So this Finnish ruling is actually more generous. Could it influence U.S. policy? Maybe not overnight. But it's another example of a country recognizing that professional betting is a legitimate business activity, not just a hobby. ### The Road to 2027 Finland is set to open up its gambling market to competition in 2027, moving away from a monopoly system. That means more operators, more choices, and more questions about how to tax and regulate professional bettors. This court ruling gives a clear signal: if you're a pro, you'll be treated like a pro. For now, Koivula can breathe a sigh of relief. After five years, he's won. And his win might just pave the way for others. ### What Should You Take Away? - If you bet professionally, keep meticulous records of your wins and losses. - Tax laws vary by country and state—consult a professional. - The trend is moving toward treating betting like a business, at least in some places. It's a small victory in a small country, but it could have ripple effects. And for professional bettors everywhere, that's worth paying attention to.