SkillOnNet awarded Finnish gambling licence for July 1, 2027 market entry
Licence granted by Finland’s National Police Board as country shifts from Veikkaus monopoly
Key Takeaways
- SkillOnNet received a Finnish gambling licence from Finland’s National Police Board.
- The company plans to enter the regulated market on 1 July 2027.
- The National Police Board had received 75 applications by late September 2026.
- Finland is replacing Veikkaus’ online monopoly with a licensing regime for private operators.
SkillOnNet has secured a Finnish gambling licence from Finland’s National Police Board and plans to enter the country’s regulated online market when it opens on 1 July 2027. The approval positions the operator to launch in the newly licensed online casino and sports betting market following the end of Veikkaus’ online monopoly.
Licence and market timing
The licence was granted by Finland’s National Police Board ahead of the market transition to a competitive licensing regime. SkillOnNet said the approval supports its expansion in the Nordic region and its plans to enter Finland when the regulated market opens on 1 July 2027. The country is replacing the long-standing online monopoly run by state-owned operator Veikkaus with a licensing system for private operators.
Application interest and company comment
SkillOnNet noted that the National Police Board had received 75 applications by late September 2026. Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet, said:
"Finland represents a fantastic opportunity, with a strong digital culture and a clear commitment to creating a safe, competitive, and sustainable online gaming environment. We’re delighted to be among the early operators to receive approval, and we look forward to bringing our experience, innovative gaming products, and player-first approach to Finnish customers when the market opens next July."
Operators and observers view the licence as one of the earliest approvals in the lead-up to the market launch. SkillOnNet referenced broader Nordic expansion plans and its readiness to offer regulated online casino products in Finland when the licensing regime takes effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who granted SkillOnNet its Finnish gambling licence?
Finland’s National Police Board granted SkillOnNet the Finnish gambling licence. The approval was reported ahead of the market opening on 1 July 2027.
When will SkillOnNet be able to operate in Finland?
SkillOnNet plans to enter Finland’s regulated online market on 1 July 2027. The company said the licence supports its expansion into the Nordic region timed to the market transition.
How many licence applications had Finland received by late September 2026?
The National Police Board had received 75 applications by late September 2026, according to SkillOnNet.
Tags
About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
More from Eleanor Whitfield
