Finnish Regulator Confirms 12 Gambling Licence Approvals

Highlights

• Finland has approved 12 gambling licences from 79 applications ahead of its online market launch in July 2027.
• Major operators, including Wildz Group and HipposATG, have secured approval, while Veikkaus is still awaiting its decision.

Finland’s National Police Board has confirmed that 12 companies have secured Finnish gambling licences. The country is preparing to open its online gambling market to private operators in July 2027.

The approval marks an important step in Finland’s move away from its long-standing state-controlled gambling system. It also gives international operators a clearer picture of the upcoming market.

The new rules will allow private companies to offer online gambling services from 1 July 2027. Until now, state-owned operator Veikkaus has controlled most of Finland’s gambling market.

However, Veikkaus has not yet received approval for its application. The company is seeking permission to continue operating under the new system. Meanwhile, it is expected to retain control of lotteries, scratchcards, and land-based gaming machines. Private companies will compete in the online gambling sector.

Several international operators are showing interest in Finnish gambling licences. The country has an established gambling market and strong participation in online gaming. As a result, the new system could attract more international investment.

According to H2 Gambling Capital data cited in the report, Finland’s gross gaming revenue is estimated at €1.9 billion in 2026. Online channels accounted for around 81% of the total.

The latest approvals provide an early indication of competition in the new market. However, further licensing decisions will shape the final group of operators. Companies seeking Finnish gambling licences will now prepare for the regulatory changes ahead of the July 2027 launch.

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