Finland’s iGaming Market Opens with Two Dozen Operators Applying for Licenses

(AsiaGameHub) –   Several operators have submitted license applications in Finland as the nation moves to terminate its iGaming monopoly and welcome a new age of commercial gaming.

Finland Gets Ready to Roll Out Its Commercial iGaming Market

Finland has been making consistent progress toward launching its deregulated online gaming market. Last year, the country enacted legislation to terminate Veikkaus’ monopoly. This step was the result of months of discussions and preparations, firmly confirming the imminent launch of a competitive iGaming market.

Per the current timeline, the new online casino gaming market will officially launch on July 1, 2027.

Given Finns’ deep enthusiasm for gaming, numerous operators have queued up to enter the market.

24 Operators Are Gearing Up for July 1, 2027

Official statistics indicate that a total of 24 online operators have applied for licenses to date. This points to significant interest in the market, which is understandable given Finns’ passion for gaming.

Although Finland’s iGaming sector has operated as a monopoly until now—with Veikkaus as the sole permitted provider of such products—this has not dampened local players’ interest in gaming at all. Studies suggest that an impressive 70% of Finnish adults participate in at least some form of gaming, a figure that could rise sharply once commercial gaming goes live.

In an interview with iGB, Nordic Legal’s head of office, Pekka Ilmivalta, described Finns as “heavy gamblers” and the launch of a reformed gaming market as a “long-awaited change.” A large number of players are interested in online lotteries, which may be one of the verticals with the highest potential to appeal to locals.

More Operators Are Taking a “Wait and See” Stance

Meanwhile, additional operators are closely monitoring the situation without submitting license applications yet, as details around iGaming advertising and responsible gambling requirements have not been fully clarified.

Experts note that the market could have up to 50 licensees at launch. Still, Veikkaus—set to continue operating, though no longer exclusively—will likely remain a leading player.

Veikkaus has been largely optimistic about the launch of licensed iGaming, even though it had to undergo reforms and make cuts in preparation for the changes.