Immense Group Appoints Joonas Karhu As MD After Announcing Its Finland Market Entry

Mr Vegas and DBET owner Immense Group has named Joonas Karhu as Managing Director for Finland as operators position themselves for the country’s regulated market launch in 2027. Karhu returns to the business nearly a decade after previously serving as Country Manager for Finland between 2016 and 2017.

Following his earlier stint, he co-founded the gambling comparison platform Bojoko. The site was acquired in February 2025 by global sports media company North Star Network. Karhu later stepped into the role of Head of Casino at North Star before leaving the company at the end of last year.

Based in Helsinki, he will oversee Immense Group’s strategic direction in Finland. His remit includes partnership development, media relations and long term positioning of the group’s casino and sportsbook brands.

“I’m pleased to be returning to Immense Group at an important point in its development,” he said.

“The group has built a strong portfolio of brands and a clear position in regulated markets. Finland offers meaningful long-term potential, and my focus will be on building strong partnerships, strengthening our local presence and supporting sustainable growth.

“I look forward to reconnecting with colleagues and engaging with partners across the industry.”

Preparing for Finland’s Post Monopoly Era

The appointment highlights a clear investment intent ahead of Finland’s shift from its monopoly system. Immense Group has maintained an interest in the country for years, despite restrictions limiting how offshore operators could engage with Finnish consumers.

Under current rules, players can access sites outside the state owned Veikkaus Oy monopoly. However, those operators have been prohibited from directly targeting customers in Finland through local language marketing.

That structure will end when the monopoly is dismantled and replaced by a licensing framework. The regulated market is scheduled to open on 1 July 2027 after lawmakers pushed the launch date back from 1 January.

Karhu will lead preparations for licence applications, compliance planning and commercial partnerships.

Competitive Race Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Launch

Immense Group’s portfolio includes brands such as Videoslots, Kungaslottet and Mega Riches. Each stands to benefit from early positioning in a market set to formalise licensing requirements.

Other operators are also taking visible steps. Åland Islands based Paf recently halved its player loss limits as part of its preparations for a national rollout. Sportsbook technology supplier Kambi has signed an agreement with newly established bookmaker SuomiVeto.

For Immense Group, appointing a Helsinki-based executive with both operator and affiliate experience will ensure decision-making closer to market realities.