SkillOnNet secures Finnish iGaming license as iGaming market gears up for opening

• SkillOnNet readies to launch in Finland through PlayOJO brand
• The brand will be subject to local regulatory criteria and player protection safeguards
• More operators are expected to be revealed as eligible to enter the Finnish iGaming market soon

SkillOnNet has secured a Finnish gambling license and will be able to launch in the local iGaming market on July 1, 2027, when it launched. SkillOnNet will launch the PlayOJO brand locally, as the brand is interested in pushing into yet another regulated jurisdiction.

PlayOJO to bring its signature casino experience to Finland

Granted by the National Police Board, Finland’s gambling watchdog, the license allows PlayOJO to expand locally and bring its known brand and experience to players interested in the website’s out-of-the-box and streamlined iGaming experiences.

Even then, PlayOJO will have to comply with local restrictions on advertising and player safety guardrails. Commenting on what was celebrated as a pivotal achievement, SkillOnNet Head of Corporate Development Maor Nutkevitch added:

"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," Nutkevitch added.

Finland is pushing ahead with its most significant gambling regulatory overhaul to date, becoming the latest country in Europe to adopt a market-based model where private licensees compete locally.

Veikkaus is not the only game in town anymore

The shift is necessitated by factors such as addressing the size of the black market, which, under Veikkaus, may have been expanding, because the state monopoly is not able to compete with offshore brands that constantly bombard players with bonus inducements.

While the state-owned operator will retain exclusivity in certain segments, such as the lottery, private licensees will now compete side-by-side Veikkaus in the online gambling and sports betting segment.

The marketliberalization has already seen as many as 75 license applications submitted. Earlier this month, Wildz Group became the first company to announce that it has been approved to operate in Finland, awaiting formal market launch.

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