Wildz Group says it has secured Finland online gambling licence
The Malta-based operator claims to be the first to receive approval under Finland's new licensing regime, ahead of the market's liberalisation in July 2027.
Wildz Group has told iGaming Business that it has been granted a licence to operate online gambling in Finland once the market opens to private operators on 1 July 2027, making it the first operator to disclose publicly that it has cleared the country's new licensing process.
Finland is dismantling the state-owned monopoly that has governed its gambling sector, with online betting and gaming currently run exclusively through Veikkaus. From July 2027, private operators will be permitted to apply for licences and compete in the market for the first time.
The application window opened in March this year, with the National Police Board, which administers the process, initially expecting to take around six months to assess submissions. By 22 September, 75 applications had been lodged, a volume iGaming Business reports far exceeded initial expectations.
A Wildz Group spokesperson told the outlet the company was proud to be first across the line. "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."
The spokesperson added: "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."
The National Police Board has not confirmed Wildz's licence or published any list of successful applicants, and it is not yet clear whether or when it will release outcomes for other operators. iGaming Business said it had contacted the regulator for comment and would update its reporting if a response arrived.
There is no cap on the number of licences Finland will issue, though each application required a €29,000 (around $33,500) processing fee. Veikkaus, the incumbent monopoly operator, is among the major names that have publicly expressed interest in obtaining a licence for the liberalised market.
Market analysts cited by iGaming Business have previously warned that Finland's relatively small population could leave the sector oversaturated if a large share of the 75 applications are ultimately approved.
Finland is among the last European jurisdictions to move away from a state gambling monopoly, following Sweden's full liberalisation in 2019.
Wildz Group board member Lasse Rantala confirmed the development on LinkedIn, stating that the licence takes effect from 1 July 2027 and thanking his team, while noting that preparations continue ahead of the market's launch.