Finland has approved its first 12 online gambling licences ahead of the 2027 market launch. This number later increased to 18. Growing applications highlight strong operator interest and new regulatory requirements for companies.
Finland has approved its first 12 online gambling licences ahead of the market opening on 1 July 2027. The regulator later confirmed six more approvals, showing strong operator interest.
Finland’s move towards a competitive gambling market has reached an important stage. The country is preparing to end Veikkaus’ long-standing monopoly over online betting and casino games.
Private operators will soon be able to apply for customers under a new licensing system.
The first 12 approvals were confirmed on 26 October 2026. At that point, the National Police Board had received 79 applications and had not rejected any.
The number of approved licences increased to 18 by 29 October.
The early results show how quickly operators are preparing for the new market. They also give companies a clearer picture of the licence requirements and timelines they must meet before launching in Finland.
Finland Online Gambling License: First 12 Approvals Confirmed
On 26 October, Finland’s National Police Board confirmed that 12 companies had received licences to offer online gambling services when the market opens.
The approvals came from 79 applications submitted by that date. No applications had been rejected.
The first group of approved companies included:
- Hippos ATG Oy
- Sunflower Gaming Limited
- Granturo Finland Ltd, linked to Wildz Group
- Skill On Net Ltd
- SuomiVeto Oy
- Cloudberry Ent Limited
- SixthSpin Limited
- KuuFlip Limited
- RocketLily Ent Limited
- Nivei Ursi Limited
- YTBlue Limited
- Buccone Trading Limited
These companies will be able to enter the market once their licences take effect on 1 July 2027. Approval does not allow them to start offering gambling services before that date.
The announcement also confirmed that Veikkaus, Finland’s current state-owned gambling operator, was not among the first 12 approved companies.
It had submitted an application to take part in the new competitive market.
However, the list changed quickly. On 29 October, the National Police Board announced six additional approvals, bringing the total to 18. It also confirmed that 63 applications were still being processed.
Why is Finland Opening its Gambling Market?
Finland has operated a state-controlled gambling system for many years. Veikkaus held exclusive rights over most gambling activities in mainland Finland.
However, the government decided to change this model and introduce competition in selected online gambling services.
The new Finland Gambling Act was approved in January 2026. It allows private companies to offer online betting, online casino games, online slots, and online money bingo through a licensing system.
Veikkaus will keep its exclusive rights over lottery games, scratch cards, physical gambling machines, and casino games.
The government says the reform aims to bring more gambling activity under local supervision. It also wants to improve player protection and reduce the use of unlicensed gambling websites.
Applications opened on 1 March 2026. The first licences will become active on 1 July 2027, when private operators can begin offering and marketing their services.
Licensing Process Shows Strong Operator Interest
The number of applications has grown steadily since the process began.
The National Police Board received 50 applications by 8 June 2026. The total reached 75 by 22 September, then 79 on 26 October and 81 by 29 October.
The regulator has estimated that processing an application takes six to eight months. Many applicants are foreign companies, so officials must review documents from different countries. They may also ask companies to provide extra details.
The application fee was set at €29,000 in 2026. There is no fixed deadline for applications, and companies can continue submitting them.
This means the number of approved operators may increase before the market opens.
For operators planning to enter Finland, the process offers an important lesson. Preparing company records, ownership details, financial documents, and compliance plans early can help avoid delays.
Operators should also follow legal developments, including the recent Supreme Court rulings, as they assess the wider legal environment for gambling services.
What Rules Will Licensed Operators Need to Follow?
Finland’s new system includes several requirements focused on player safety and responsible gambling.
All players must be at least 18 years old. Operators will also need strong identity checks before allowing customers to gamble.
The rules include:
- Player identification: Operators must verify customers and their age.
- Spending limits: Players must set daily and monthly limits on money transferred to their gambling accounts.
- Self-exclusion: Customers will be able to block themselves from gambling through a central system covering licensed operators.
- Player monitoring: Companies must watch for signs of harmful gambling and provide tools to help customers manage their activity.
Marketing will also face restrictions. Television, radio, newspapers, and operators’ own websites and social media accounts can be used under the rules.
However, influencer marketing and direct marketing by telephone are prohibited. Advertising must not target minors or use content that appeals to them.
These rules mean operators must prepare their websites, payment systems, customer checks and marketing plans before launch.
Veikkaus Will Face New Online Competition
The opening of the market will create a new competitive environment for Veikkaus.
The state-owned company will continue to operate lotteries, scratch cards, and physical gambling machines. However, private companies will be able to compete in online betting and casino games.
Veikkaus already has strong brand recognition and an established customer base. New operators will need to give players clear reasons to try their services.
The market has also attracted interest because of its size.
Estimates from H2 Gambling Capital, reported by iGaming Business, placed Finland’s total gambling market at around €1.9 billion in 2026. Online gambling was estimated to account for 81% of that amount.
These figures help explain why international companies are preparing to enter the country. However, they do not guarantee that every new operator will gain a large share of the market.
What Happens Before the July 2027 Launch?
The National Police Board will continue reviewing applications until the end of June 2027. From July, the Finnish Supervisory Agency will take over licensing and supervision.
Operators must also prepare for another important deadline.
Applications for gambling software licences will open on 1 July 2027. From 1 July 2028, licensed operators must use platforms supplied by licensed igaming software providers.
Finland’s first approvals show that companies are moving early to secure their place in the new market. With more applications still under review, the list of approved operators is likely to grow.
The real test will begin in July 2027. Operators will need to meet local rules, protect players, and compete for customers in a market that is opening after years of state control.
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