Finland Gambling Licence Applications Rise To 75 Ahead Of Open Market Launch
Interest in Finland’s new gambling regime has exceeded earlier expectations, with 75 licence applications submitted ahead of the July 2027 market opening.
Finland has received 75 applications for gambling licences as the country prepares to end Veikkaus’ monopoly and open its online market to private operators in July 2027.
The National Police Board had received the applications by 22 September, according to Finnish broadcaster Yle, representing a sharp increase from approximately 50 applications reported in June.
The level of interest has also surpassed earlier industry expectations, which suggested Finland could attract between 40 and 60 applicants under the new licensing framework.
Operators have been able to submit applications since 1 March. Each applicant must pay a €29,000 processing fee for licences valid during 2026, with the substantive assessment beginning once payment has been received.
No licences have yet been awarded.
Applications Exceed Earlier Forecasts
The National Police Board said applicants will undergo suitability and reliability assessments as part of the licensing process.
“The reliability and suitability of applicants are evaluated based on submitted documents,” the authority said.
Janne Nikkinen, a researcher at the University of Helsinki, noted that the number of applications was particularly significant given Finland's population and had already moved beyond forecasts previously considered optimistic.
“Finland is attracting interest,” Nikkinen said. “After all, this is a billion-dollar pot that is being distributed here now.”
Finland began developing its market liberalisation plans in 2024, when the Ministry of the Interior prepared the initial legislation for replacing the existing monopoly structure.
The gambling bill was subsequently presented to parliament in March 2025 and approved in December, establishing the framework for the transition to a competitive licensed market.
The first licences under the new regime are scheduled to become effective on 1 July 2027.
Veikkaus Prepares For End Of Monopoly
State-owned Veikkaus is also restructuring ahead of the transition as it prepares to compete directly with private gambling companies.
The operator has established two subsidiaries, including a separately operated online business intended to compete within the licensed sector once the new regime takes effect.
The changes have also prompted debate over the Finnish state's long-term ownership of Veikkaus.
SDP Party Secretary Mikkel Näkkäläjärvi has questioned whether there remains a strategic reason for the state to own a gambling operator once its monopoly ends, arguing that any decision should consider whether a sale could deliver greater economic or public benefit.
Liike Nyt has advocated full privatisation and a stock market listing, while the Left Alliance has opposed selling the state-owned company.
No decision to privatise Veikkaus has been taken, with the debate running separately from the introduction of the new licensing system.
Regulatory Responsibilities To Transfer In 2027
The National Police Board will continue handling applications and supervising the sector during the transition period.
From July 2027, responsibility for overseeing the liberalised gambling market will transfer to the newly established Finnish Supervisory Agency.
With 75 applications already submitted and further applications potentially possible before launch, the figures indicate substantial operator interest in Finland ahead of one of Europe's most significant upcoming regulated market openings.
