First 12 Online Betting Licences Approved in Finland

The Finnish National Police Board has officially named the first 12 companies that will enter the country's reformed online betting market. The licences are part of Finland's shift from a state monopoly model to private sector competition. The new system will begin to apply on 1 July 2027.

The Board reported that it had received 79 applications under the new framework as of 26 October. Of these, 12 have been approved and none have been rejected. The figures were shared in response to a request for information from iGaming Business. Companies have been able to apply since 1 March 2026.

Approved companies include Hippos ATG Oy, Sunflower Gaming Limited and Granturo Finland Ltd, part of the Wildz Group. Skill On Net Ltd, SuomiVeto Oy, Cloudberry Ent Limited and SixthSpin Limited also received licences. The list is completed by KuuFlip Limited, RocketLily Ent Limited, Nivei Ursi Limited, YTBlue Limited and Buccone Trading Limited.

The incumbent state monopoly Veikkaus did not appear on the first approved list. The company will keep its exclusive rights to lotteries, scratch cards, physical slot machines and land-based casino games. Online betting, slots, casino games and money bingo will be opened to licensed competition.

The National Police Board will carry out licensing and supervision until the end of June 2027. When the competitive market opens on 1 July 2027, responsibility will pass to the Finnish Gambling Authority. Of the applications, 67 have not yet been decided.