Applications for licences under the new Finnish Gambling Act can be submitted from next week. In the first phase, it is possible to apply for a gambling licence and an exclusive licence. The licence is applied for in writing from the National Police Board, and the processing fee is 29,000 euros.
As of 2 March 2026, gambling companies can use the online service of regional administration to make an application for a licence for betting games, slot machine and casino games played online, as well as electronic money bingo. The licence applications are processed and the licences are granted by the National Police Board. The licence is valid for five years.
In addition to a gambling licence, companies can also make an application for an international co-operation licence if the licensed company intends to offer gambling games together with an operator that does not have an operating licence in Finland.
Companies that have been granted a licence to organise gambling can start operating in accordance with the licence.
“A similar change in the other Nordic countries has resulted in a few dozen applications, and corresponding numbers can be expected in Finland as well. We hope that licence applicants will avoid constant contacts with the National Police Board, as responding to inquiries takes up working time from the processing of applications. We estimate that the processing period will be about 3 to 6 months,” says Riikka Ruokolainen, Senior Adviser at the National Police Board.
Make an online application for a licence
We recommend that licence applicants submit the application in the online service of regional administration. It is advisable to fill in the application carefully and make sure to also include all the necessary attachments. A carefully completed application expedites the processing of the application.
Further information on gambling licences, application instructions and a link to the online service can be found on the police website.
Gambling and marketing of gambling games will begin no earlier than July 2027
The licences will enter into force in July 2027 at the earliest. Even though the licence decision can be obtained earlier, gambling companies can only offer and market their games in accordance with their own licence from 1 July 2027.
“At the moment, only Veikkaus Oy has the right to market gambling in mainland Finland. After the reform, licence holders will have the right to market their games. The marketing of gambling by other operators is illegal and will be intervened in,” says Juhani Wallinvirta, Head of Group at the National Police Board.
