Finland Sets Gambling Licence Fees as Market Liberalisation Moves Closer

Finland has taken another decisive step toward gambling market liberalisation by setting official licence fees ahead of the new regulatory framework, marking a clear shift away from the long-standing monopoly system.

Under a revised decree issued by the Ministry of the Interior, licence fees will apply to exclusive gambling licences, standard gambling licences, and international cooperation authorisations. The changes align Finland’s service charge structure with the new Gambling Act and confirm the country’s move toward a competitive, regulated licensing model.

According to the decree, licence applications can be submitted to the National Police Board starting in March 2026. Operators will be required to pay €29,000 per licence, while any licence amendment will incur an additional €1,120 fee. The same €1,120 charge will apply to international cooperation authorisation requests from existing licence holders.

Authorities confirmed the decree will come into force on 1 March 2026 and remain valid until 31 December 2026, covering the early licensing phase ahead of full market liberalisation. During this transitional period, the National Police Board will oversee licensing procedures and is expected to publish further application guidelines in due course.

However, licence approval will not allow operators to immediately enter the market. Licensed companies will only be permitted to launch and promote gambling services once the new Gambling Act officially takes effect on 1 July 2027, creating a clear separation between licensing approval and market entry.

End of Finland’s Gambling Monopoly Era

Finland’s gambling reform legislation was finalised in mid-January following presidential approval by Alexander Stubb, formally ending the monopoly held by state-owned Veikkaus Oy in the online gambling sector.

Under the new framework, betting and online casino products—including slots and real-money bingo—will be opened to competition, bringing Finland in line with other regulated European gambling markets. Veikkaus Oy will retain exclusive control over lottery products, scratch cards, and land-based slots and casinos.

Until June 2027, Veikkaus will remain the country’s sole authorised gambling operator under police supervision. The National Police Board will continue to manage licensing and regulatory oversight until competitive gambling operations officially begin nationwide, completing Finland’s transition to a liberalised gambling market.