Oct 21, 2026 | 3:12 am
SkillOnNet has secured a gambling licence in Finland, positioning the online gaming group to enter the country’s regulated iGaming market when private operators are permitted to launch services on July 1, 2027.
The licence was granted by Finland’s National Police Board as the country prepares to replace its longstanding gambling monopoly with a competitive licensing framework for online casino gaming and sports betting. The change will allow approved private companies to offer gambling services to Finnish customers under a new regulatory system.
SkillOnNet, which operates online casino brands including PlayOJO, has continued expanding its presence across regulated markets. Its Finnish approval provides a route into the Nordic country ahead of the scheduled market opening and follows the company’s progress in other jurisdictions introducing new licensing arrangements.
The application process has attracted significant interest from international gambling operators. Finland’s National Police Board had received 75 applications by late September 2026, highlighting the level of competition among companies seeking access to the market.
Maor Nutkevitch, head of corporate development at SkillOnNet, said the company sees Finland as an attractive opportunity because of its digital market and regulatory direction.
“Finland represents a fantastic opportunity, with a strong digital culture and a clear commitment to creating a safe, competitive and sustainable online gaming environment.
We’re delighted to be among the early operators to receive approval, and we look forward to bringing our experience, innovative gaming products and player-first approach to Finnish customers when the market opens next July.”
Finland Prepares to Open Its Online Gambling Market
Finland’s planned reform marks a major change to the country’s gambling structure, which has historically centered on state-owned operator Veikkaus.
Under the new framework, private operators that obtain the necessary approvals will be able to compete in online casino gaming and sports betting. They will have to comply with the country’s regulatory requirements to provide services legally.
The July 2027 launch date gives approved operators time to prepare for entry into the market. For SkillOnNet, securing a licence ahead of the opening establishes a regulatory foothold as the company develops its business in the Nordic region.
The number of applications received by the National Police Board by September indicates substantial interest in Finland’s transition to a licensed market. Competition among applicants is expected to shape the range of operators seeking to attract Finnish customers when the new system begins.
SkillOnNet said its experience in regulated jurisdictions would support its entry into Finland. The group operates casino platforms featuring games from international content suppliers and has continued building supplier relationships as it expands into new markets.
Its portfolio includes live casino content, which forms part of the gaming offering available through its platforms.
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New Zealand Licensing Progress Supports Wider Expansion
The Finnish approval follows another recent development in SkillOnNet’s international expansion. Earlier in October, the company advanced to the next stage of New Zealand’s online casino licensing process after securing the right to submit an application under the country’s new regulatory framework.
SkillOnNet was among 11 successful bidders in an auction involving 32 participants and 15 available licences. The successful bid gave the company an opportunity to proceed with an application, although that step was separate from receiving final authorization to operate.
The New Zealand process represents another potential market entry for the group as jurisdictions introduce licensing systems for online gambling.
SkillOnNet has also expanded its content partnerships while developing its presence in regulated markets. Earlier in 2026, the company broadened its relationship with live casino supplier Amusnet, making the provider’s game portfolio available through SkillOnNet’s newly launched Greek online gambling operation.
The agreement added to the content available to customers in Greece and illustrated the company’s use of supplier partnerships to support its market expansion.
With approval in Finland and progress in New Zealand, SkillOnNet is pursuing opportunities in jurisdictions undergoing regulatory change. Its Finnish licence places the company among the operators preparing for the country’s planned July 2027 launch, when approved private businesses will be able to compete in the online casino and sports betting sectors under the new framework.
Source:
“SkillOnNet secures Finnish iGaming licence ahead of 2027 market opening“, igamingbusiness.com, October 27, 2026.