Hippos ATG receives second operator licence in Finland
Second operator after Wildz, set to begin operations on 1 July 2027
Key Takeaways
- Hippos ATG received a licence under Finland's new Gambling Act to operate in the country.
- It will be the second operator after Wildz and plans to start operations on 1 July 2027.
- The company is 50% owned by AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) of Sweden and 50% by the Hippos Association of Finland.
- The licence covers casino games, horse-racing products and sports betting.
Hippos ATG has been granted a licence under Finland's new Gambling Act to operate in the country and will be the second operator — after Wildz — to come into effect on 1 July 2027. The company, 50% owned by Sweden's AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) and 50% by the Hippos Association of Finland, will offer its portfolio of games and horse-racing and sports-betting products in the Finnish market.
Group structure and scope of the licence
The licence covers casino games, horse-racing products and sports betting. Hippos ATG is owned half by AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) and half by the Hippos Association; the stated intent is to combine ATG's experience in Sweden and Denmark with the competencies of the Finnish horse-owners association.
Statements from the chief executive
"We have always been confident we would meet the conditions for the licence. A positive decision is the most important requirement to enter the market, so this is a significant moment for us," said Mikael Bäcke, CEO of Hippos ATG.
Bäcke added that following the decision the company can focus on products and finalising the operating entity in Finland. He also said that with the licence ATG is "the largest gambling operator in the Nordic countries and the market leader in horse-racing betting in Sweden and Denmark."
Timeline and objectives
Hippos ATG is preparing to commence operations on 1 July 2027. The company has stated its intention to build an operational and sustainable gaming company in Finland, based on the experience contributed by ATG and the Hippos Association.
For details on the games and product offering, the company has indicated it will make its catalogue available to the Finnish market; the licence also includes racing and sports-betting products. See updates in regulation and the casino section to track future launches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Hippos ATG licence take effect in Finland?
The licence takes effect on 1 July 2027, which is the date Hippos ATG has announced for commencing operations in Finland.
Who owns Hippos ATG?
Hippos ATG is owned 50% by AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) of Sweden and 50% by the Hippos Association of Finland, combining Nordic operator experience with local horse-owners' expertise.
What products does the granted licence cover?
The licence covers the offering of casino games, horse-racing products and sports-betting products, all of which Hippos ATG has said it will make available to the Finnish market.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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