Finland has taken another step toward opening its online gambling market. The government has now confirmed how the new dual licence system will work once the country moves away from its long-running state monopoly.

The plan is based on legislative proposal HE 16/2025 and is expected to fully take effect on 1 January 2027. Officials say the changes will create a clearer and more controlled gambling environment while allowing private companies to enter the market for the first time.

New B2C and B2B Licences Explained

The new system will use two main licence types. The first is the B2C gambling game licence for companies that want to offer online betting or casino games directly to players. These operators can apply for five-year licences and will pay a 22 percent tax on their gross gaming revenue. Applications are expected to open in early 2026 so companies can prepare before the market starts.

The second is the B2B game-software licence for suppliers that create the software used in online casino and betting games. Under the new rules, all licensed operators must use software only from approved B2B providers. Applications for this licence will open in early 2027, and all operators must fully comply by 1 January 2028. Analysts say this will improve oversight and help keep unapproved or unsafe products out of the market.

Restructuring of Veikkaus and Market Competition

To follow EU competition rules, Finland will also break state-owned Veikkaus into two separate companies. One part will stay under a 10-year monopoly and continue to run lottery games, physical slot machines and land-based casinos. These areas will not be opened to competition.

The second part of Veikkaus will compete directly with private operators in the new online betting and casino market. It will follow the same rules, licensing requirements and tax structure as all other operators. This separation is meant to ensure fair competition and prevent the monopoly from having an unfair advantage. The change also follows earlier concerns raised by competitors, including claims from Swedish operator ATG about anti-competitive behaviour.

Stronger Oversight and Reduced Offshore Activity

Finland plans to create a new supervisory authority under the upcoming Permit and Supervision Agency. This new regulator will be funded by industry supervision fees and will oversee all licensing, compliance and enforcement. Experts say the model should help reduce illegal offshore gambling by closing long-standing loopholes that have allowed foreign operators to target Finnish players without proper approval.

The reform comes after a period of close examination of Veikkaus and overall market performance. With the dual licence framework now confirmed, Finland is preparing for a major shift that will bring more competition, clearer rules and a safer online gambling environment for players.