Finland Receives 50 Applications for iGaming Licenses Ahead of Market Launch
Strong Interest in Finnish iGaming Market
As Finland prepares to open its online gambling market, interest from operators is surging. Since the launch of the application process for business-to-consumer licenses on March 1, 2026, the Gambling Administration has already received 50 applications, according to the National Police Board (NPB).
Key Insights from Industry Experts
Antti Koivula, Chief Compliance Officer at Hippos ATG, notes that the number of applicants is expected to surpass initial expectations. He emphasizes the need for applicants to submit complete and accurate documentation and follow the regulator’s guidelines closely. Koivula also advises against frequent requests for application status updates, as this places additional burdens on an already stretched regulator.
Upcoming Market Changes and Regulatory Shift
Finland’s regulated iGaming sector is scheduled to launch on July 1, 2027, ending the monopoly previously held by Veikkaus, the state-owned gaming operator. Until then, the National Police Board will continue to handle licensing and supervision. Starting from July 2027, these responsibilities will transfer to the Finnish Supervisory Agency.
Notable Applicants and Market Outlook
While the complete list of applicants remains confidential, some companies, such as LeoVegas, have publicly confirmed their participation. LeoVegas’ Nordics Managing Director, Fredrik Wastenson, revealed during a panel at Summit Valletta 2026 that the company has applied for two licenses. With such significant interest, Finland is set to become one of the largest regulated iGaming markets in Europe.
Timeline for Successful Applicant Announcements
The National Police Board estimates that processing each license application takes about six months. Although earlier speculation suggested a summer deadline for submissions, the NPB has clarified there is no fixed cutoff date, and applications will be accepted continuously. The regulator encourages early applications to increase chances of approval before the market’s official launch next summer.
Additional Industry Developments
In related news, Veikkaus recently appointed Ilkka Kosola, an experienced industry professional, as their new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), signaling ongoing leadership changes within the company.
