Wildz secures five-year licence as Finland’s Police Board processes nearly 80 applications

Malta-headquartered online gaming operator Wildz Group has become the first iGaming operator to be approved to launch in Finland’s re-regulated market next year.

Wildz confirmed Thursday that it has received a formal letter from Finland’s National Police Board, granting the operator permission to offer gambling services to Finnish players from 1 July 2027.

“Receiving the amazing news of being the first operator to receive a licence in Finland is a welcome reward for all the efforts of the team in the application process,” said Wildz Group CEO Sam Brown. “We’re excited about this milestone and what it represents for the future of Wildz Group. 

“We believe that our brands will offer players in Finland a safe and engaging entertainment product for many years to come. We’re looking forward to July 2027!”

Alongside the flagship Wildz brand, the group also operates online casino brands Caxino, Wheelz, Spinz, Chipz, Tuplaus and Blingi, and a sportsbook via Wildz Sports.

In preparation for the opening of the regulated market, the Police Board has ramped up efforts to tackle illegal gambling marketing in Finland.

So far in 2026, the regulator has issued four prohibition decisions and imposed six conditional fines for illegal marketing of gambling games on websites and social media.

Prohibition decisions have been reinforced with conditional fines ranging from €30,000 to €200,000 for individuals and from €100,000 to €1.2 million for companies. 

“The imposition of a conditional fine may be considered necessary to ensure an immediate and effective end to the illegal marketing of gambling games,” said Juhani Wallinvirta, head of group at the National Police Board. “The purpose of the conditional fine is not to punish illegal activities, but to reinforce compliance with the prohibition decision and to ensure that illegal marketing actually ceases. 

“Under existing law, only Veikkaus Oy has the right to market gambling games in mainland Finland. The marketing of gambling games not only conveys information about the range of games available, but it can also increase awareness of gambling service providers, the availability and demand for gambling games, and encourage people to start or continue playing.”