Finland’s upcoming transition to a licensed gambling market is attracting more operator interest than initially expected, with 75 licence applications submitted to the National Police Board ahead of the country’s 2027 market opening.
The latest figure, recorded by 22 September, represents a significant increase from the 50 applications reported in June and highlights the level of interest surrounding Finland’s move away from the Veikkaus monopoly.
Applications Already Surpass Expectations
Operators have been able to submit applications since 1 March, with the National Police Board responsible for handling the licensing process during the transition period.
Applicants are required to pay a €29,000 processing fee for licences valid in 2026, with the substantive assessment of an application beginning once the fee has been paid.
No licences have been granted yet, as the authority continues its evaluation process.
The National Police Board has also stressed that applicants will face detailed checks, with their reliability and suitability assessed through the documentation submitted as part of the licensing process.
Market Interest Exceeds Earlier Forecasts
The 75 applications already exceed earlier expectations for the size of the applicant pool.
University of Helsinki researcher Janne Nikkinen told Finnish broadcaster Yle that previous estimates had placed the likely number of applications between 40 and 60.
The current total therefore puts the market on course to attract more operators than those initial forecasts suggested.
The level of interest reflects the size of the opportunity created by Finland’s decision to replace its existing monopoly model with a competitive licensing system.
Veikkaus Prepares for Competition
The reform will fundamentally change the position of state-owned Veikkaus, which has historically held Finland’s gambling monopoly.
The company has already established two subsidiaries as part of a restructuring programme, including changes to its online operations, allowing it to compete in the future licensed market alongside private operators.
The end of the monopoly has also triggered debate around Veikkaus’ future ownership and role, with different political groups putting forward competing views on whether the state should continue owning the gambling company.
New Market Opens in July 2027
Finland’s gambling reform was first proposed in 2024, with the new framework subsequently progressing through parliament before receiving approval in December.
The first licences issued under the new system will become effective on 1 July 2027, marking the formal start of Finland’s liberalised gambling market.
Until then, the National Police Board will remain responsible for licensing and supervision. Once the new market launches, those responsibilities will move to the newly established Finnish Supervisory Agency.
With 75 applications already on the table and the deadline for market entry still ahead, Finland’s transition is shaping up to create a significantly more competitive gambling landscape from July 2027.