SkillOnNet Secures Finnish Gambling Licence Ahead of July 2027 Launch
Finland.- 29 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com SkillOnNet, the international iGaming group behind brands including PlayOJO, DrückGlück and Genting Casino, has secured a Finnish gambling licence, positioning the company to enter the country’s newly regulated online casino and betting market from 1 July 2027.
The licence was granted by Finland’s National Police Board, which is responsible for issuing authorisations during the country’s transition towards a competitive gambling market.
The approval places SkillOnNet among the first twelve companies authorised to participate in Finland’s new licensing regime, which will end Veikkaus’ exclusive rights over certain online gambling activities.
SkillOnNet Among the First Twelve Licensed Operators
The company confirmed its licence approval on 27 October 2026 as part of its international expansion strategy.
According to information released by the Finnish regulator on 26 October, the licensing process has reached the following milestones:
- 79 licence applications received.
- 12 licences approved.
- 67 applications awaiting decisions.
- No applications rejected so far.
SkillOnNet is among the first operators to successfully complete the authorisation process.
The company will be permitted to launch its services when the new licensing framework comes into effect.
Finland’s Regulated Market Opens on 1 July 2027
Finland’s Parliament approved its gambling legislation reform on 16 December 2025, establishing the transition from a monopoly-based system towards a competitive market for licensed private operators.
The new framework will take effect on 1 July 2027.
From that date, authorised operators will be able to offer:
- Online casinos.
- Sports betting.
- Online bingo.
The reform represents one of the most significant changes to Finland’s gambling industry in decades.
Veikkaus to Lose Its Online Monopoly
Until now, state-owned operator Veikkaus has maintained exclusive rights over much of Finland’s gambling market.
The new legislation will allow private operators to compete in online sports betting, casino gaming and bingo.
However, Veikkaus will retain exclusive rights over certain products, including:
- Traditional lotteries.
- Scratchcards.
- Land-based casino gaming.
The state-owned company has also applied for authorisation to compete in the liberalised online market, although it was not among the first twelve applicants approved.
Licensing Process Has No Operator Cap
Finland’s National Police Board began accepting licence applications on 1 March 2026.
The system operates on a rolling basis, with no general application deadline and no statutory limit on the number of licences available.
International interest has exceeded initial market expectations.
Approximately 50 applications had been received by June, increasing to 75 by late September.
With 79 applications confirmed in October, demand has surpassed earlier industry forecasts of between 40 and 60 prospective operators.
Statements From SkillOnNet
Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet, highlighted the opportunities presented by the Finnish market.
“Finland represents a significant opportunity, with a strong digital culture and a clear commitment to creating a safe, competitive, and sustainable online gaming environment,” he stated.
Nutkevitch also outlined the company’s expectations for the forthcoming launch.
“We look forward to bringing our experience and gaming products to Finnish customers when the market opens next July,” he added.
The comments emphasise SkillOnNet’s commitment to expanding within regulated international markets.
PlayOJO and the Group’s International Brands
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Malta, SkillOnNet develops online gaming platforms and operates an international portfolio of brands.
Its principal commercial offerings include:
- PlayOJO: an internationally recognised online casino brand.
- DrückGlück: a platform focused on European markets.
- Genting Casino: an established online casino brand.
- BacanaPlay: part of the group’s international portfolio.
SkillOnNet operates more than 40 branded casino websites across regulated jurisdictions.
Alongside its proprietary consumer brands, the company provides white-label technology solutions for other operators.
Its games portfolio includes slots, live casino, sports betting and instant-win products.
Strengthening Its Nordic Presence
The Finnish approval represents another milestone in SkillOnNet’s European expansion strategy.
The company already has experience operating in regulated markets including:
- United Kingdom.
- Sweden.
- Spain.
- Germany.
- Canada.
- Mexico.
In March 2025, SkillOnNet also joined BOS, Sweden’s trade association for online gambling operators.
Entering Finland will strengthen the group’s presence across the Nordic region while expanding its European footprint.
New Authority to Supervise the Market
Finland’s regulatory reform also includes changes to the institutions responsible for gambling supervision.
The National Police Board will continue overseeing licensing and regulation until the end of June 2027.
Responsibility will then transfer to the Finnish Supervisory Agency, a new authority that will oversee the competitive gambling market.
The agency will assume its responsibilities when the new licensing regime launches on 1 July 2027.
The transition will establish a dedicated supervisory structure for licensed private operators.
Opportunities for International iGaming Businesses
Finland’s market opening is creating opportunities for operators, technology providers and companies specialising in iGaming services.
The significant number of licence applications reflects international commercial interest in a market characterised by widespread digital adoption.
For international operators, obtaining authorisation ahead of launch provides time to prepare platforms, products and compliance arrangements.
However, receiving a licence does not mean that companies can begin offering services immediately.
Licensed operators must wait until the market officially opens in July 2027.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
Securing a Finnish licence represents an important development for SkillOnNet and reinforces its strategy of expanding through regulated markets.
The company will continue preparing its commercial offering for Finland, drawing on its international experience in online casinos and gaming technology.
Over the coming months, Finnish authorities will assess the 67 outstanding applications while approved operators prepare their launches.
As one of the first twelve companies to receive authorisation, SkillOnNet is positioning itself to participate from the opening of Finland’s new competitive online gambling market on 1 July 2027.
Edited by: @fonta
