TITLE: Finland's National Police Board Opens Gambling Licence Applications Under New Gambling Act
BODY:
On February 26, 2026, Finland's National Police Board announced that applications for gambling licences under the new Finnish Gambling Act will open from March 2, 2026. The National Police Board will process and grant all licence applications through its online service via regional administration.
In the initial phase, applicants can apply for a standard gambling licence or an exclusive licence to offer betting games, slot machine games, casino games played online, and electronic money bingo. A processing fee of €29,000 applies to each application. Licences are valid for five years. Additionally, licensed companies may apply for an international co-operation licence if they intend to offer gambling games in partnership with operators without Finnish operating licences.
The National Police Board estimates processing times of three to six months and anticipates dozens of applications based on similar regulatory changes in other Nordic countries. Riikka Ruokolainen, Senior Adviser at the National Police Board, emphasised the importance of submitting complete applications with all necessary attachments to expedite processing.
A critical implementation date is July 1, 2027, when licences will enter into force and licensed operators may begin offering and marketing gambling games. Until this date, only Veikkaus Oy retains the right to market gambling in mainland Finland. The National Police Board confirmed it will intervene against illegal marketing of gambling by unlicensed operators.
Applicants are directed to submit applications through the online service of regional administration, with detailed application instructions and further information available on the National Police Board's website.
REFERENCES:
National Police Board (Finland). "Applications for gambling licences can be submitted from next week – dozens of applications are expected." Published February 26, 2026. Available at: [police.fi]