Wildz Group has announced that it has received a licence to operate online gambling services in Finland once the market opens on 1 July 2027, becoming the first operator to publicly disclose that it has received a local licence.
Finland is in the process of overhauling its gambling regulatory regime. Online gambling currently operates under a state-owned monopoly but a liberalisation process will see the market open to private operators in July 2027.
The licensing application window opened in March this year and processing time was expected to take six months. A total of 75 licence applications had been submitted as of 22 September, far exceeding initial expectations.
Wildz Group is a Malta-based online operator that operates several different casino brands in various markets.
A spokesperson for the group told iGB that it was proud to have been granted the first online gambling licence for the new market.
“Being the first operator to receive a gambling licence in Finland is a fantastic milestone for Wildz Group and a well-deserved reward for the hard work and dedication of our entire team throughout the application process.
“We look forward to working closely with the Finnish regulator to achieve the highest possible level of channelisation, ensuring that the new licensing regime is a success and delivers on its objectives.”
Awaiting formal confirmation
The National Police Board, which is overseeing the licensing application process, has not yet publicly confirmed Wildz’s or any other licence application outcomes. It is unclear if or when the body might release a list of successful licensees, or if decisions have been made on any other licences.
iGB has reached out to the National Police Board for comment and will update this story if a response is received.
There is no limit on the number of operators that can apply for a licence, although applications required payment of a €29,000 ($33,500) processing fee. Numerous major operators have publicly expressed interest in obtaining a license, including Finland’s current monopoly operator Veikkaus.
Market analysts have previously told iGB that despite the popularity of gambling in Finland, the market risks being oversaturated if most applications are successful, given the Nordic country’s small population.
Finland is one of the last European countries to axe its state-owned monopoly system in favour of a liberalised model, following Sweden’s full liberalisation in 2019.
Lasse Rantala, a Wildz Group board member, said on LinkedIn that the licence would take effect on 1 July 2027, thanking his team and saying preparation was continuing ahead of the much anticipated market launch.