The National Police Board of Finland has received a total of 75 gambling license applications in anticipation of the competitive market set to launch in July 2027, exceeding prior expectations. The uptick in applications is evident, rising from 50 submissions in June. This surge correlates with Finland's preparations to open its gambling market for competition.
Veikkaus, the state's betting monopoly, has also submitted applications to maintain its position within the lottery sector. The company seeks to engage in the new sectors of betting, online casinos, baccarat, and bingo gaming.
Each gambling license application comes with a fee of €29,000. However, the NPB has not disclosed the total number of unique applicants, meaning the 75 applications could represent fewer than 75 distinct companies, as one operator may apply for multiple types of licenses.
As part of the upcoming legislation, there will be regulations governing gambling advertisements. Starting July 1, 2027, the National Supervisory Authority of Finland will oversee these ads, ensuring that their amount, visibility, and frequency remain reasonable for the market. Potential market entrants will not face a strict deadline for the submission of their applications once the market opens in July 2027.
