Finland is preparing to launch its licensed iGaming sector on July 1st, 2027. Operator enthusiasm is already evident: the National Police Board (Poliisi) has received about 50 permit applications, about a year before the official rollout.
Certification Process for Gambling Companies
The window opened on March 1st, 2026. By the end of that month, the regulator had 24 requests. By mid-year, the number nearly doubled. As a result, applications have already reached the level niche analysts expected only after the market launch.
Attention from foreign enterprises is particularly noticeable. According to Juha Katainen, the Poliisi’s Senior Advisor, the large number of interested companies from abroad complicates document verification because it causes more meticulous background checks.
For a country with a population of nearly 5.6 million, this early response is particularly noticeable. Nevertheless, it is currently calculated based on the number of requests, not operators themselves.
Document Submission: Review Time and Fields
The state accepts applications on a rolling basis, so there is no formal deadline. At the same time, operators are not advised to delay, as processing takes an average of 6 months. More complex cases may take even longer. Before moving to a full due diligence, the prospective licensee must pay a fee of €29,000.
During the assessment, the regulator examines:
- certificates;
- corporate records and financial reports;
- ties with other companies (part of AML and CFT programs), etc.
Early submission allows businesses to begin lengthy review in advance. The more complex the enterprise structure and the more extensive the documentation package, the longer this stage may take.
Changes for Veikkaus: Where Monopoly Ends
The new system strips the state-managed operator of its exclusive rights on internet betting and gambling. Authorised private companies can offer sportsbooks, casino entertainment, and bingo. The tax on GGR will stand at 22%.
Simultaneously, the monopoly will be retained for the following:
- Lotto;
- Eurojackpot;
- offline gaming.
Until the end of June 2027, the Poliisi will handle licensing and supervision of the gambling business in Finland. After the official sector launch, the Board’s powers will be transferred to the specially created Supervisory Agency.
As a result, Veikkaus will face competition from international brands in the online segment for the first time. Meanwhile, some of its previous exclusivity will remain.
Behind the Applications: Actual Number of Licensees
The documents received cannot be taken as a direct indicator of future market volume. One company can submit multiple requests for different permit types. For instance, LeoVegas has confirmed sending 2. Therefore, the final number of operators may be lower than the quantity of approved documents.
Early industry estimates suggested that there would be between 40 and 50 licensees in Finland after launch. This range was already reached more than a year before the vertical opening.
Against this background, some business representatives shared their concerns about possible market oversaturation. It remains to be seen how many enterprises will ultimately receive permits and how tight the competition will be after launch.
Expected Guidelines: Requirements for Operators
Despite the high interest, some rules and standards for the digital segment still need further development.
In particular, companies expect clearer clarification on:
- marketing (bonuses, ads, and acceptable promotion channels);
- protection of player data and funds;
- duties of care.
Norms for these areas will further determine how licensed brands can offer their services, attract customers, and control gaming behaviour. Meanwhile, operators can pay fees, prepare systems, and get paperwork in order.
Casino Market's experts monitor the situation in regulated regions and help businesses prepare to enter new jurisdictions. If you are considering expanding to Finland, feel free to contact us.
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