Finland’s National Police Board has now registered 75 applications for gambling licences. The applications come ahead of the country’s transition to a competitive gambling market, scheduled to open in July 2027.
In June, 50 applications had been submitted, but the current figure has already exceeded the 40–60 range previously forecast by industry representatives.
For comparison, Sweden has issued 89 licences, although Finland’s population of around 5.7 million is approximately half that of Sweden.
Veikkaus Applies for Gambling Licences
The state-owned Finnish company Veikkaus continues to maintain a significant presence in the local market. In 2025, its sales revenue reached €936.3m ($1.07bn), while the number of registered customers stood at 2.7 million. This represents almost half of Finland’s population of around 5.7 million.
The company has applied for licences that will allow it to continue its exclusive lottery operations. At the same time, Veikkaus plans to compete in the betting, online casino, online slots and online bingo markets.
There are also rumours that the company could go public soon. However, the information has not been officially confirmed, and it is too early to say whether such a transaction will actually take place.
Licence Types and Timelines
Each licence costs €29,000 ($33,100). However, the 75 applications do not necessarily represent 75 separate companies, as a single applicant can apply for several licences across different categories.
A gambling licence covers fixed-odds betting, pool betting, virtual betting, online casino and online slots. A separate licence category is available for gaming software suppliers.
Companies planning to operate across multiple segments can apply for several licences. LeoVegas, for example, previously announced that it is seeking both types of licences.
In June, Finland’s National Police Board warned that the application process could take up to six months. The authorities have not set a cap on the number of licences or a specific application deadline. However, companies that want to launch when the market opens are advised to submit their applications by the end of December 2026.
From 1 July 2027, the National Supervisory Authority will oversee compliance with marketing rules. Gambling advertising must remain moderate and be limited to measures necessary to direct demand towards licensed activities.
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