Finland’s gambling market will open to licensed competition on 1 July 2027. Operators that want to provide or market covered gambling services in Finland will need a licence under the new Gambling Act before starting operations.
When applications can be filed
Applications for gambling licences have been possible since 1 March 2026. During 2026, applications are submitted to the National Police Board. From 1 July 2027, licensing and supervision move to the Supervisory Agency. A licence can enter into force no earlier than 1 July 2027.
Who can apply
A gambling licence can be granted to a legal entity or a natural person that meets the fitness and propriety requirements set by the Gambling Act. Foreign legal entities can use a VAT identification number or equivalent identifier in the application.
Application language and fee
The application must be prepared in Finnish or Swedish. In 2026, the application fee for a gambling licence is EUR 29,000 per application. The fee is charged regardless of whether the decision is positive or negative.
What the licence can cover
A gambling licence may cover fixed-odds betting, variable-odds betting, virtual betting, online casino games, online cash bingo and online slot machine games. Multiple implementations can be included in one application when they are clearly described.
Processing time
The National Police Board has published a target processing time of 6–8 months, while noting that incomplete applications can take longer. Companies planning to launch in July 2027 should therefore treat the application as an operational project rather than a last-minute legal filing.
What happens after the licence decision
A granted licence is not the final technical step. Before launch, the operator must complete required audits and the integration project for the supervisory system. Gambling services and marketing may begin only from the enforcement date specified in the licence decision and no earlier than 1 July 2027.
Prepare market entry alongside licensing
Licensing, localization, SEO architecture and compliant marketing planning should be developed together. Carnival News supports international companies preparing for Finland through Casino Marketing Finland, market-entry services and Finnish localization and content production.
Official sources
Official information: National Police Board – Licences under the Gambling Act, Applying for a gambling licence, and Gambling Act 10/2026 in Finlex.
Frequently asked questions
When does Finland’s licensed gambling market open?
Licensed competition starts on 1 July 2027.
Is a licence enough to launch?
No. Operators must also satisfy the technical and supervisory requirements that apply before operations begin.
Can market-entry work start before July 2027?
Yes. Companies can prepare localization, SEO, corporate communications and technical implementation before consumer-facing gambling marketing begins.