Finland Moves Toward Overhaul of Gambling Sector as Licensed Market Takes Shape

Finland is preparing for one of the most significant shifts in its gambling landscape, as the country transitions from its long-standing state-controlled model to a fully regulated, licensed framework.

The Administrative Committee of the Finnish Parliament has now completed its report detailing the backbone of this reform — a reform that lawmakers expect to pass through Parliament without any further modifications.

The roadmap outlines several major milestones relevant for both operators and suppliers. Beginning March 1st, 2026, the application window for B2C licences will officially open. The market itself is scheduled to launch on July 1st, 2027, a date that will also mark the start of the B2B licence application period. However, while B2B licenses will become available then, the actual requirement for suppliers to hold them will only take effect on July 1st, 2028.

Alongside regulatory restructuring, the government is evaluating new measures aimed at strengthening player safety. These considerations include the possible introduction of mandatory loss limits across all licensed operators — a sign of Finland’s intent to embed responsible gaming at the centre of its opening market.

In response to the sector’s evolution, Nordic Legal is positioning itself as a key advisory partner for companies seeking entry into Finland’s redesigned gambling system. Drawing on extensive experience with regulated markets in Denmark and Sweden, the firm offers strategic guidance, ensuring that operators are fully prepared for the regulatory transition.

For clients already active in Denmark or Sweden, Nordic Legal can utilise its familiarity with their operations to simplify the Finnish application process and minimise duplicated work.

The firm relies on an established methodology for navigating licence applications. This includes the reuse of existing documentation, detailed mapping of technical obligations and aligning operators’ responsible gambling frameworks with Finland’s new standards. Nordic Legal also coordinates the application process through collaborative project management, involving their current client contacts as well as their team based in Helsinki, and engaging constructively with regulatory bodies when necessary.

To support operators entering the Finnish market, the firm provides a complete application package. This offering encompasses document translation, step-by-step advisory services, preparation and submission of application forms, comprehensive project oversight and direct liaison with the Finnish Gambling Authority.

By fLEXI tEAM