Wildz Group has made a significant announcement, revealing that it has secured a licence for online gambling operations in Finland, set to commence when the market opens on July 1, 2027. This positions Wildz Group as the first operator to publicly share news of receiving a local licence.
Currently, Finland operates a state-owned monopoly on online gambling, but a shift in regulations will allow private operators to enter the market in mid-2027. The ongoing overhaul aims to liberalize gambling services in the country.
In March, the licensing application process was initiated, with an anticipated six-month review period. By September 22, a total of 75 applications had been submitted, surpassing early expectations significantly.
Wildz Group, based in Malta, manages a variety of casino brands across different markets. A representative for the company expressed pride at achieving this milestone, underscoring it as a recognition of the team's diligent efforts throughout the application process.
"Being the first operator to receive a gambling licence in Finland is a fantastic milestone for Wildz Group and a well-deserved reward for the hard work and dedication of our entire team throughout the application process," the spokesperson stated. They added, "We look forward to working closely with the Finnish regulator to achieve the highest possible level of channelisation, ensuring that the new licensing regime is a success and delivers on its objectives."
As of now, the National Police Board, which oversees the licensing process, has not released any confirmations regarding Wildz Group's application or any others. Uncertainty remains as to when a list of successful licensees might be made public.
Reaching out for comment, iGB will provide updates should a response be received from the National Police Board.
There is no limit to the number of operators that can apply for a licence, although each application comes with a processing fee of €29,000 (approximately $33,500). Several major operators, including Finland's current monopoly operator, Veikkaus, have expressed interest in securing a licence.
Market analysts have warned that despite the popularity of gambling in Finland, the small population could lead to an oversaturated market if many applications receive approval. Finland is one of the last nations in Europe to transition from a state-owned monopoly to a liberalised gambling model, following Sweden's changes in 2019.
Lasse Rantala, a member of the Wildz Group board, also commented on LinkedIn about the licence taking effect on July 1, 2027, thanking his team and noting that preparations are underway for the anticipated market launch.
