Finland began accepting gambling licence applications on 1 March 2026. The application window gives operators time to prepare for a competitive market. It does not mean the new market is already open: the first licences cannot take effect before 1 July 2027.
What changes and when
Until the end of June 2027, the current Lotteries Act still gives Veikkaus the exclusive right to organise gambling in mainland Finland. During the transition, the National Police Board handles applications. The new Supervisory Agency takes over from July 2027.
In its June update, the Police Board reported 50 applications. That was a count of submissions at the time, not licences granted. The regulator checks the applicant's suitability and supporting documents before making a decision. The number also says nothing about whether a specific website will be authorised when the market opens.
Operator licences and software are separate
The reform distinguishes permission to offer gambling from permission to supply the software used to provide it. Applications for software licences can begin from July 2027. The requirement for licensed software takes effect from July 2028.
For readers, the useful distinction is between an application, an award and an effective licence. A brand can announce the first or second before it can lawfully offer the service. The operator, website and effective date are the details to check.