Finland’s National Police Board has received 75 gambling licence applications as the country prepares to open its competitive gambling market on July 1, 2027, marking a substantial increase from the 50 applications recorded earlier in the year.
The National Police Board confirmed that it had received 75 applications as of September 22. The regulator had reported 50 applications in June, while the total was still described as approximately 50 during August.
The latest figure means another 25 applications reached the regulator within roughly seven weeks. Despite the increase, the National Police Board has yet to make a decision on any application, according to iGaming Finland.
Applications have been accepted since March 1, 2026. Senior Adviser Sanna Kuusela said March produced 24 applications, while another 23 arrived in May. The regulator currently gives a target processing period of six to eight months, although applications can continue to be submitted without a fixed deadline.
Finnish legislation also places no cap on the number of gambling operators that can receive licences. Applicants that meet the applicable requirements can obtain approval rather than competing for a limited number of available positions.
Application Total Moves Beyond Earlier Estimates
The number of applications has moved above some previous expectations for the size of Finland’s future licensed gambling market.
University of Helsinki researcher Janne Nikkinen said earlier estimates had generally pointed to between 40 and 60 licences. Sweden, which has roughly twice Finland’s population, currently has 89 licences.
Nikkinen said the level of interest demonstrates the commercial attention surrounding Finland’s upcoming market.
‘Finland is attracting interest. After all, this is a billion-dollar pot that is being distributed here now.’
The total of 75 applications does not necessarily represent 75 individual companies. Businesses can submit applications for different licence categories, although a single gambling licence application can cover multiple eligible gambling products.
The identities of most applicants have not been disclosed by the National Police Board. Veikkaus and Unibet are among the companies known to have applied.
Veikkaus established two subsidiaries in May as part of its preparations for the new regulatory system. The state-owned company has applied for licences connected to both its exclusive operations and activities that will fall within the competitive market.
Unibet has also submitted an application. Joel Häkämies, who oversees FDJ United’s Finnish operations, said the company filed its application in May and had yet to receive approval.
New Licensing Model Starts in July 2027
Finland’s reformed gambling system will allow competition in several areas that currently fall within Veikkaus’ monopoly.
The gambling licence covers products including fixed-odds betting, variable-odds betting and virtual betting, as well as online casino games and online slots. Online cash bingo also falls under the licence.
A separate exclusive licence remains available only to a state-controlled company. In practice, this applies to a Veikkaus Group company.
Under the new system, Veikkaus will retain exclusive rights over lottery products and scratch cards. Its monopoly will also continue for physical slot machines and casino games.
Each gambling licence application carries a €29,000 processing fee in 2026. The regulator charges the fee regardless of whether it ultimately approves or rejects the application.
Software suppliers will enter a separate licensing system. Applications for gambling software licences are scheduled to begin in July 2027, when the competitive market opens.
Marketing rules will also change under the new framework. Licensed operators will be able to advertise through certain channels, including television, radio and newspapers, while the legislation restricts practices such as influencer marketing and direct marketing by telephone.
The National Supervisory Authority will assume responsibility for licensing and supervision from the National Police Board when the new system begins on July 1, 2027.
Processing Timeline Leaves Decisions Pending
The regulator’s six-to-eight-month processing estimate makes timing an important issue for companies seeking to enter Finland from the first day of the new market.
An application submitted in September could remain under consideration until spring 2027 if processing takes the full eight months. Companies applying later could receive decisions only after the competitive market has already opened.
Finland’s legislation does not prevent licences from being granted after July 1, 2027. Operators will be able to enter the market once they receive the necessary approval.
The National Police Board has not said how many of the current applications it expects to decide before opening day. It also has not publicly identified all applicants or confirmed how many of the 75 filings represent separate companies.
For now, the rise from 50 applications in June to 75 by September shows that operator interest has continued to increase while the first licensing decisions remain pending.