Finland Gambling Licensing

Introduction to Finland's New Gambling Licensing System

Finland's gambling market is undergoing a significant structural change. The long-standing monopoly model, exclusively operated by the state-owned company Veikkaus Oy, is being reformed into a mixed system. The new Gambling Act, which was adopted by Parliament on 16 December 2025, establishes a partial licensing framework for specific online gambling products.

This new system is scheduled to launch on 1 July 2027. From this date, private operators who have secured a licence will be permitted to offer certain online gambling services to consumers in mainland Finland. Until 30 June 2027, Veikkaus Oy remains the only entity legally allowed to provide and market gambling in the country. The licence application period for prospective operators commenced on 1 March 2026.

The Licensing Authority

The National Police Board (Poliisihallitus) is the central authority responsible for implementing the new licensing system. It is tasked with receiving and processing licence applications, granting licences, and conducting ongoing supervision of all licence holders. The Board's role is to ensure that all gambling activities are conducted fairly, safely, and transparently, in accordance with Finnish law and the conditions of the licence.

Licence Categories and Market Scope

The new legislation carefully distinguishes between gambling activities that will be opened to competition and those that will remain under the exclusive control of Veikkaus Oy.

Products Open for Licensing

From 1 July 2027, commercial licences will be available for operators wishing to offer the following online products:

• Online betting
• Online casino games, including slot games
• Electronic money bingo

These licences will permit operators to target the Finnish market legally, subject to strict regulatory controls.

Activities Reserved for Veikkaus Oy

Veikkaus Oy will retain its monopoly for a significant portion of the market. The company will continue to have the exclusive right to operate:

• Lottery games (such as Lotto)
• Scratch cards
• Land-based casino games (Casino Helsinki)
• Land-based slot machines located in retail outlets, kiosks, and arcades

B2B Supplier Licences

In addition to operator (B2C) licences, the new system introduces a separate licence for business-to-business (B2B) suppliers. This licence is required for companies that manufacture, supply, sell, or rent gambling systems or services to B2C licence holders in Finland. The requirement for B2B suppliers to hold a licence will become mandatory from 1 July 2028.

The Application Process

The National Police Board oversees a formal and detailed application process to ensure all market participants are suitable and capable of adhering to Finnish regulations.

Who Can Apply?

A licence can be granted to a corporation or foundation established in the European Economic Area (EEA) that is not bankrupt and is legally competent. The applicant must demonstrate the necessary financial stability and technical capability to operate a gambling service.

Application Requirements and Language

Applications must be submitted to the National Police Board in either Finnish or Swedish. The process requires extensive documentation covering the applicant's corporate structure, financial standing, technical systems, and responsible gambling policies.

Fit and Proper Assessment

A critical component of the application is the 'fit and proper' test. The National Police Board conducts a thorough background check on the applicant company itself, as well as its major shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, and key management personnel. This assessment evaluates the reliability, reputation, and integrity of the individuals and the entity to ensure they are suitable to conduct gambling operations.

Key Obligations for Licence Holders

Obtaining a licence carries significant responsibilities. Operators must comply with the terms of their licence and the provisions of the Gambling Act at all times.

Technical and Reporting Requirements

A core obligation is the requirement to integrate with the National Police Board's supervisory systems. Licensees must provide the authority with access to data for monitoring purposes. This includes connecting to the regulator's data vaults and other technical interfaces, the exact specifications of which are being defined in government decrees.

Supervision and Fees

All licence holders are subject to ongoing supervision by the National Police Board. To cover the costs of this regulation, operators must pay an annual supervision fee. The precise structure and amount of this fee, along with other potential levies, are being finalised through subordinate legislation.