Finland's Gambling Licence Interest Strong: 50 Applications Received

Finland has reported robust interest in its forthcoming regulated gambling market, evidenced by the submission of 50 licence applications. This high volume of applications indicates a strong appetite from operators to enter the liberalised Finnish market.

Key takeaways

• Finland has received 50 gambling licence applications.
• The volume of applications signals strong industry interest in the liberalising Finnish gambling market.
• This development is critical to the ongoing market reform in Finland.

Background & context

Finland's National Police Board (NPB) has reported a significant uptake in applications for gambling licences, with the total reaching 50. This surge precedes the country's transition to a regulated online gambling market, scheduled for 1 July 2027, which will mark the end of the long-standing monopoly held by the state-owned operator, Veikkaus. Licence applications first opened in March, and this latest figure indicates a rapid increase from the approximately 30 applications estimated just last month by panellists at NEXT Summit Valletta 2026. Each applicant is required to pay a processing fee of €29,000 for their submission to be considered. The NPB is currently acting as the interim regulator for the market, a role it will maintain until the Finnish Supervisory Agency takes over regulatory responsibilities once the new market is fully operational.

Despite the strong interest, applicants have been advised that the processing of their submissions could take up to six months. Juha Katainen, a senior advisor at the NPB, noted the complexity involved in evaluating applications, particularly given that the majority of applicants are foreign entities. He also urged applicants to refrain from frequently inquiring about their application status, as addressing such queries diverts resources from the actual processing work. While the identities of most applicants remain confidential, some companies, such as LeoVegas, have publicly confirmed their interest. Fredrik Wastenson, Nordics managing director for LeoVegas, revealed at Summit Valletta 2026 that the company had applied for two distinct licences.

Initially, there was speculation that a deadline for licence applications might be imposed later this summer. However, the NPB has clarified that the application process is continuous and does not have a formal closing date. Nevertheless, the board has encouraged interested parties to submit their applications promptly to ensure they receive approval well before the market's official launch next summer. This proactive stance is intended to facilitate a smoother transition for operators wishing to enter the Finnish market from day one of its liberalisation, moving away from Veikkaus's historical sole operator status. The continuous application window provides flexibility but also implies that early engagement is key for timely market entry.

The regulatory shift represents a monumental change for the Finnish gambling landscape, moving from a single-entity model to a competitive multi-licence system. This transition aligns Finland more closely with other European Union member states that have adopted regulated online gambling markets. The NPB's current role as the temporary licensing authority is critical in establishing the foundational framework for the new regulatory regime. Its responsibilities include evaluating applicant suitability, ensuring compliance with forthcoming regulations, and managing the initial phase of the licensing process before handing over supervision to the dedicated Finnish Supervisory Agency.

Impact on operators

The high number of applications suggests significant competition for operating licences in Finland's re-regulated market.

Impact on suppliers

Increased operator interest is likely to translate into greater demand for gaming content, platforms, and other supplier services in the Finnish market.

Market impact

The strong interest, as demonstrated by 50 licence applications, indicates that the transition to a multi-licence system is attracting substantial industry engagement. This outcome suggests the new regulatory framework is perceived as viable and attractive to potential market entrants, positioning Finland for a competitive and diverse regulated gambling sector. The level of interest reinforces the expectation of a significant shift from the current monopoly model.