SkillOnNet Secures Finnish Gambling Licence Ahead Of July 2027 Market Launch
The operator behind PlayOJO has received regulatory approval to enter Finland's newly liberalised online gambling market when it opens next year.
SkillOnNet has secured a Finnish gambling licence ahead of the country's regulated online casino and sports betting market opening on 1 July 2027.
The licence, granted by Finland's National Police Board, will allow the international gaming group to establish a presence in the country as it prepares to replace its longstanding gambling monopoly with a competitive licensing framework.
SkillOnNet, which operates online casino brands including PlayOJO, is among the early applicants to receive approval as Finland prepares for one of the most significant changes to its gambling industry in decades.
The development represents another step in the company's international expansion strategy, which has focused on establishing operations in regulated markets.
Finland Prepares To End Gambling Monopoly
Finland's gambling reform will introduce a licensing system allowing approved private operators to provide online casino games and sports betting services to Finnish customers from July 2027.
The changes will end the exclusive position traditionally held by state-owned gambling operator Veikkaus in these segments, opening the market to international companies that satisfy the country's regulatory requirements.
The transition has already attracted substantial interest from the global gambling industry, with Finland's National Police Board receiving 75 licence applications by late September 2026.
The new framework is intended to create a more competitive regulated market while maintaining safeguards around consumer protection and responsible gambling.
Operators seeking to participate must secure the necessary authorisation before launching their services, with the licensing process forming a central part of Finland's preparations for the market opening.
For SkillOnNet, receiving approval ahead of the launch provides an opportunity to prepare its Finnish offering and establish its position before the new regulatory regime takes effect.
SkillOnNet Targets Further Nordic Expansion
SkillOnNet's entry into Finland will extend its presence across regulated international gambling markets, drawing on its experience operating online casino platforms in multiple jurisdictions.
The company is best known for brands including PlayOJO and has continued to pursue opportunities in markets introducing or updating their gambling licensing frameworks.
Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet, welcomed the Finnish approval and highlighted the opportunities created by the country's transition towards a competitive market.
“Finland represents a fantastic opportunity, with a strong digital culture and a clear commitment to creating a safe, competitive and sustainable online gaming environment,” Nutkevitch said.
He added that SkillOnNet was “delighted to be among the early operators to receive approval”, with the company preparing to introduce its gaming products to Finnish customers when the market opens in July.
The group has emphasised its focus on responsible gambling and player protection as it prepares to operate under Finland's new regulatory requirements.
Operators Prepare For July 2027 Opening
With the licensing process underway, Finland is entering the final stages of its transition from a monopoly-based system to a regulated competitive market for online casino gaming and sports betting.
The number of applications submitted indicates significant interest from operators seeking access to Finnish customers, although not every applicant is guaranteed approval.
SkillOnNet's licence provides the company with a regulatory foundation for its planned launch, but commercial operations under the new framework will not begin until the market officially opens on 1 July 2027.
The company has not yet confirmed which of its casino brands will be introduced in Finland or provided further details about its initial product offering.
Its approval nevertheless places SkillOnNet among the operators preparing to compete in Finland's newly regulated online gambling sector, as the country approaches the end of its longstanding monopoly arrangements.
