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Finland has received 75 gambling licence applications ahead of the July 2027 opening of its regulated betting and online casino market, already exceeding earlier expectations for operator interest.
The National Police Board had received the applications by September 22 but had not approved any at that point. Finland will end the Veikkaus monopoly for betting, online slots, online casino games and online bingo on July 1, 2027.
Good to Know
- Licence applications rose from 50 in June to 75 by September 22.
- Finland does not cap the number of licensed operators and has no application deadline.
- Veikkaus will keep exclusive rights over lotteries, scratch cards and physical slot and casino games after July 2027.
Operator Interest Beats Early Expectations
The 75 applications put Finland above earlier estimates for its new multi licence gambling market.
University of Helsinki researcher Janne Nikkinen told Yle that earlier expectations centered on roughly 40 to 60 operators. He also compared Finland with Sweden, which has a much larger population but a similar scale of licensed operator interest.
Applications first opened on March 1. The National Police Board received 24 in March and another 23 in May, showing that much of the early demand arrived quickly. Fifty applications had been filed by June.
A single company can submit applications covering different gambling products, so 75 applications do not necessarily represent 75 individual operators.
Each application costs €29,000 in 2026, regardless of whether approval is ultimately granted. The current target processing period is six to eight months, although authorities warn that complicated cases may take longer.
Veikkaus And Unibet Prepare For New Finland Market
The National Police Board has not published a full list of applicants, but Veikkaus and Unibet have confirmed participation.
Veikkaus has prepared for both sides of the future system. A company within the state controlled Veikkaus Group can hold the exclusive licence while also seeking a licence for competitive betting and online casino products.
Unibet also applied in May. Joel Häkämies, who oversees FDJ United operations in Finland, told Yle that the application remained under review in September.
The new structure therefore keeps part of the existing monopoly while opening higher demand online products to private operators.
Licensed companies will be able to offer fixed odds betting, other betting products, online slots, casino games and online bingo from July 1, 2027.
New Regulator Takes Over In July 2027
The National Police Board is handling applications during the transition period, but supervision will change when the market opens.
The Finnish Supervisory Agency will take over gambling licensing and regulation from July 1, 2027. Operators cannot begin offering or marketing licensed games before their licences take effect.
Software companies can begin applying for separate gambling software licences from July 2027, although the software licence requirement itself starts on July 1, 2028.
Finland also plans a controlled advertising system rather than a complete gambling marketing ban. The framework permits licensed operators to advertise subject to restrictions, while influencer marketing and marketing aimed at minors or vulnerable people face prohibitions.
The government says the wider reform aims to increase channelization by directing more Finnish gambling activity toward nationally regulated and supervised operators.
FAQ
When will Finland regulated iGaming market open?
Licensed betting and online casino operators can begin operating on July 1, 2027.
How many gambling licence applications has Finland received?
The National Police Board had received 75 applications by September 22, 2026.
Has Finland approved any gambling licences yet?
No. The National Police Board told Yle that none of the 75 applications had received a decision by September 22.
Will Veikkaus lose its monopoly completely?
No. Veikkaus will retain exclusive rights for lottery games, scratch cards and physical slot and casino games. Betting and online casino products will open to competition.
How much does a Finland gambling licence application cost?
The processing fee is €29,000 per application in 2026.
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