Finland’s National Police Board has obtained 75 playing licence functions because the nation prepares to open its aggressive playing market on July 1, 2027, marking a considerable improve from the 50 functions recorded earlier in the yr.
The National Police Board confirmed that it had obtained 75 functions as of September 22. The regulator had reported 50 functions in June, whereas the entire was nonetheless described as roughly 50 throughout August.
The newest determine means one other 25 functions reached the regulator inside roughly seven weeks. Despite the rise, the National Police Board has but to decide on any software, in accordance to iGaming Finland.
Applications have been accepted since March 1, 2026. Senior Adviser Sanna Kuusela stated March produced 24 functions, whereas one other 23 arrived in May. The regulator presently offers a goal processing interval of six to eight months, though functions can proceed to be submitted with no mounted deadline.
Finnish laws additionally locations no cap on the variety of playing operators that may obtain licences. Applicants that meet the relevant necessities can receive approval reasonably than competing for a restricted variety of out there positions.
Application Total (*75*) Beyond Earlier Estimates
The variety of functions has moved above some earlier expectations for the dimensions of Finland’s future licensed playing market.
University of Helsinki researcher Janne Nikkinen stated earlier estimates had typically pointed to between 40 and 60 licences. Sweden, which has roughly twice Finland’s inhabitants, presently has 89 licences.
Nikkinen stated the extent of curiosity demonstrates the business consideration surrounding Finland’s upcoming market.
‘Finland is attracting interest. After all, this is a billion-dollar pot that is being distributed here now.’
The complete of 75 functions doesn’t essentially symbolize 75 particular person firms. Businesses can submit functions for various licence classes, though a single playing licence software can cowl a number of eligible playing merchandise.
The identities of most candidates haven’t been disclosed by the National Police Board. Veikkaus and Unibet are among the many firms recognized to have utilized.
Veikkaus established two subsidiaries in May as a part of its preparations for the brand new regulatory system. The state-owned firm has utilized for licences linked to each its unique operations and actions that may fall throughout the aggressive market.
Unibet has additionally submitted an software. Joel Häkämies, who oversees FDJ United’s Finnish operations, stated the corporate filed its software in May and had but to obtain approval.
New Licensing Model Starts in July 2027
Finland’s reformed playing system will permit competitors in a number of areas that presently fall inside Veikkaus’ monopoly.
The playing licence covers merchandise together with fixed-odds betting, variable-odds betting and digital betting, in addition to on-line on line casino video games and on-line slots. Online money bingo additionally falls below the licence.
A separate unique licence stays out there solely to a state-controlled firm. In follow, this is applicable to a Veikkaus Group firm.
Under the brand new system, Veikkaus will retain unique rights over lottery merchandise and scratch playing cards. Its monopoly may also proceed for bodily slot machines and on line casino video games.
Each playing licence software carries a €29,000 processing payment in 2026. The regulator costs the payment no matter whether or not it in the end approves or rejects the applying.
Software suppliers will enter a separate licensing system. Applications for playing software program licences are scheduled to start in July 2027, when the aggressive market opens.
Marketing guidelines may also change below the brand new framework. Licensed operators will probably be in a position to promote by way of sure channels, together with tv, radio and newspapers, whereas the laws restricts practices corresponding to influencer advertising and direct advertising by phone.
The National Supervisory Authority will assume accountability for licensing and supervision from the National Police Board when the brand new system begins on July 1, 2027.
Processing Timeline Leaves Decisions Pending
The regulator’s six-to-eight-month processing estimate makes timing an vital challenge for firms in search of to enter Finland from the primary day of the brand new market.
An software submitted in September might stay into account till spring 2027 if processing takes the total eight months. Companies making use of later might obtain selections solely after the aggressive market has already opened.
Finland’s laws doesn’t stop licences from being granted after July 1, 2027. Operators will probably be in a position to enter the market as soon as they obtain the mandatory approval.
The National Police Board has not stated how lots of the present functions it expects to resolve earlier than opening day. It additionally has not publicly recognized all candidates or confirmed how lots of the 75 filings symbolize separate firms.
For now, the rise from 50 functions in June to 75 by September exhibits that operator curiosity has continued to improve whereas the primary licensing selections stay pending.
