Finland's National Police Board had received 75 gambling licence applications by September 22, more than officials projected. There were 50 in June; applications opened March 1. The licensed market launches July 1, 2027, ending the Veikkaus monopoly.
Initial forecasts ranged from 40 to 60 applications, and those figures seemed optimistic. Janne Nikkinen, a researcher at the University of Helsinki, told Yle: "Finland is generating interest. There's a billion-euro pot to be distributed." Observers note the high application count relative to the country's population.
No licences have been issued yet. Each applicant pays €29,000 ($33,500) for processing a licence valid from 2026. Assessment begins after payment. The board checks operator reliability and compliance through documentation; due diligence is strict.
Liberalisation was proposed in July 2024. The Ministry of the Interior submitted a bill to parliament in March, approved in December. The National Police Board handles licensing and supervision until July 1, 2027, when functions transfer to the new Finnish Supervisory Agency.
Veikkaus has created two subsidiaries and is restructuring its online business to compete with private operators. The end of the monopoly forced parties to debate the company's future. SDP general secretary Mikkel Näkkäläjärvi said: "The state has no strategic interest in owning a gambling company." Populist Liike Nyt backs full privatisation and an IPO. The Left Alliance is the only party opposing a sale.
