Finland Prepares for Online Casino Market Opening

Key Takeaways:

• Finland advances toward a competitive licensing system for online casino in 2026, ending Veikkaus' monopoly.
• New Zealand confirms plans to regulate online casinos with limited licenses from early 2026.
• Providers and platforms gear up for ICE Barcelona 2026, signaling sustained innovation in regulated European and global markets.

Finland's long-awaited transition to a Finish licensed online casino market moved closer to reality as the government finalised details for the system's launch in 2026. The reform will end the monopoly held by state-owned Veikkaus over online gambling, opening the sector to private operators while Veikkaus retains exclusivity on lotteries, scratch cards, and certain land-based activities. Applications for licences are expected to open early in the year, marking a significant shift toward a multi-operator environment aimed at enhancing player protections and channelling activity to regulated platforms.

This development is poised to attract international operators and suppliers, fostering competition in a market previously dominated by a single entity. Industry observers note that the change aligns with broader European trends toward regulated, competitive frameworks that priorities responsible gambling and revenue transparency. The move could set a precedent for other Nordic jurisdictions balancing state interests with market liberalisation.

Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/finland-gambling-reform-bill-enters-parliament/

New Zealand Advances Online Casino Regulation Timeline

New Zealand's government has outlined a high-level approach to regulating online casinos, with the new system expected to take effect from early 2026. Licensed online casino platforms will be restricted to offering casino games only, with strict advertising limits and a ban on sponsorships. The minimum gambling age will remain 18, and online casino licenses will be limited in number, potentially awarded through an auction process to control market entry.

The framework emphasizes harm minimization, tax collection, and consumer protections, addressing concerns over offshore operators capturing significant player spend. Officials anticipate a regulated market valued at around NZ$500m annually in taxable revenue. This positions New Zealand as an emerging Oceania hub for online casino, drawing interest from established providers seeking stable, compliant jurisdictions.

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/26211/new-zealand-to-allow-online-casinos-by-2026/

Suppliers Spotlight Innovation at Upcoming ICE Barcelona

As the industry heads into 2026, major suppliers are preparing major showcases at ICE Barcelona, underscoring confidence in regulated growth. Spadegaming will debut at the event, highlighting its player-focused casino content and international expansion strategy. Similarly, Groove Technologies plans to demonstrate scalability solutions, including personalization tools and compliance features tailored for maturing markets.

These announcements reflect ongoing investment in technology amid evolving regulations in Europe and beyond. Casinos and software providers for online casino games are focusing on mobile-first experiences, safer gambling integrations, and aggregated content portfolios exceeding 40,000 of the best online casino games in some cases. The event is expected to facilitate partnerships critical for operators navigating license renewals and new market entries.

Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/company-news/spadegaming-to-debut-at-ice-barcelona-2026/g

Emerging African Markets Gain Traction

Africa continues to emerge as a region of interest for online casino expansion in 2026, with nations like Nigeria and South Africa identified as key growth drivers. Improved connectivity and youthful demographics support mobile-led adoption, while regulatory maturation in select jurisdictions provides clearer paths for licensed operations. Industry reports highlight potential in Egypt as frameworks evolve, potentially unlocking a large-scale market.

These developments signal cautious optimism for sustainable entry into African territories, prioritizing local partnerships and compliance.

Source: https://igamingexpert.com/regions/africa/africa-igaming/