Finland Confirms 12 Online Gambling Licences Ahead of 2027 Market Opening
Finland.- 27 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Finland’s National Police Board has confirmed the approval of the first 12 licences for sports betting and online casino operations under the country’s new regulatory framework, scheduled to launch on 1 July 2027.
The information was officially provided to iGaming Business (iGB) on 26 October 2026 following an information request submitted to the regulator.
According to the authority, 79 companies have submitted licence applications, 12 have received approval and none have been rejected so far.
The confirmation represents an important step in Finland’s transition towards a liberalised gambling market, currently operating under a state monopoly.
The 12 Companies Granted Licences
The National Police Board confirmed that the following companies have been authorised to enter the future regulated market:
- Hippos ATG Oy
- Sunflower Gaming Limited
- Granturo Finland Ltd (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
Among the approved companies are Wildz Group and Hippos ATG, which had previously announced their licensing success publicly.
However, this is the first official confirmation from the regulator regarding the broader list of approved operators.
Veikkaus Still Awaiting Approval
One of the most notable developments is that Veikkaus, Finland’s current state-owned gambling operator, is not yet included among the approved companies.
The company has also submitted an application to participate in the competitive market scheduled to open in July 2027.
Veikkaus benefits from substantial brand recognition and an extensive existing customer base.
Under the reform, the company will lose its exclusivity over sports betting and online casinos while retaining exclusive rights over certain products.
These include:
- Traditional lotteries.
- Scratchcards.
- Land-based gaming machines.
The operator will therefore compete with private companies across the gambling categories covered by the new licensing system.
Licensing Applications Opened in March
Finland began accepting applications on 1 March 2026.
Since then, interest from international gambling operators has exceeded initial expectations.
Application figures have developed as follows:
- June 2026: 50 applications received.
- September 2026: 75 applications.
- 26 October 2026: 79 applications submitted.
The National Police Board remains responsible for processing applications.
Companies must demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and pay an administrative application fee of €29,000.
Licences Become Effective in July 2027
Although 12 companies have already received approval, none will be permitted to begin operating under the new system before 1 July 2027.
Until 30 June 2027, the National Police Board will continue processing applications and supervising the gambling market.
From July, these responsibilities will transfer to Finland’s new supervisory authority.
The new framework will introduce competition between licensed operators, supported by consumer protection requirements, measures against illegal gambling and regulatory compliance obligations.
A Market Estimated at €1.9 Billion
Finland’s market opening has attracted considerable industry interest due to the economic significance of its gambling sector.
According to H2 Gambling Capital, Finland’s gambling market is estimated to generate approximately €1.9 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during 2026.
The report also highlights that:
- Online gambling accounts for an estimated 81% of total GGR.
- Finland has one of the world’s highest levels of gambling participation per capita.
- Market liberalisation will create opportunities for international operators.
- The licensing regime will partially replace the existing state monopoly.
These characteristics make Finland one of Europe’s most closely watched emerging regulated iGaming markets.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
Confirmation of the first 12 licences represents a significant step towards the commercial market opening scheduled for July 2027.
With 67 applications still awaiting a decision as of 26 October, the regulator will continue reviewing submissions from interested operators.
Attention will now turn to further approvals, including Veikkaus’ pending application.
Finland is progressing towards a competitive market that could transform the distribution of sports betting and online casino products, creating new opportunities for international operators and suppliers.
Editó: @fonta
