Finland Confirms Dual-License Model and Supplier Licensing Ahead of 2027 Market Opening
The proposal brings forth a mandatory B2B licensing regime that will fundamentally change the supply chain dynamics within the Finnish market.
Additionally, it confirms the plan to legally unbundle the state-owned operator, Veikkaus Oy, into separate operational entities, ensuring a level playing field for all market participants.
Fresh B2B and B2C Licensing Structure
Experts report that the newly proposed legislation introduces a clear and structured licensing framework for Finland’s competitive market, creating two distinct categories.
The first is the Gambling Game License (rahapelitoimilupa), aimed at B2C operators who will offer online betting options, including fixed-odds, pool betting, and virtual games, as well as online casino games such as slots, table games, and bingo.
The application window for these licenses is set to open in early 2026, with a maximum validity of five years. Operators will face a tax rate of 22% on their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), ensuring a significant contribution to state revenue.
On the B2B side, the Game Software License (peliohjelmistotoimilupa) will cater to suppliers dealing with the manufacturing, provision, installation, or modification of gambling software. Licensed operators will also be required to source their software solely from licensed suppliers.
Applications for this software license will begin in early 2027, with a full transition to mandatory use of licensed software mandated to be completed by January 1, 2028. These licenses will also last for a maximum of five years, aligning their duration with that of the operator licenses.
New supervisory authority to handle oversight
To align with EU competition laws and promote a fair market, the proposal establishes a clear separation of Veikkaus Oy’s operations into distinct legal entities. The first entity, known as the Monopoly Entity, will retain exclusive rights to manage the national lottery, physical slot machines, and land-based casinos. This monopoly license will be valid for ten years.
In contrast, a new Competitive Entity will emerge to participate in the licensed online casino and betting market. This separate company will operate under the same five-year licensing terms and be subject to the same 22% tax rate as private international operators, building competition within the market.
Oversight of the new landscape will be managed by a dedicated supervisory authority under the forthcoming Lupa- ja valvontavirasto (Permit and Supervision Agency). The agency will rely on funding from the industry itself through a supervision fee, ensuring that its operations are financially supported by those within the market it regulates.
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