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FDJ UNITED Aims to be Among the Top Three Licensed Gambling Operators in Finland
As Finland prepares to transition to a licensed gambling market in July 2027, FDJ UNITED has set out its ambition to become a leading, long-term participant in the market – combining scale, responsibility and meaningful local engagement.
In a recent interview, Joel Häkämies, Head of FDJ UNITED’s operations in Finland and Estonia, outlined how the Group is preparing for the opening of the Finnish market and the principles that will guide its approach.
Building a top-three position – responsibly
FDJ UNITED’s ambition is clear: to be among the top three licensed gambling operators in Finland over time.
With more than €1 billion currently spent annually on online gambling in Finland, the move to a licensing system is expected to significantly reshape the market. Häkämies is clear that this is a long-term objective, given the importance of the new regulatory system being closely linked to strong regulatory oversight.
“The most important factor for how the market develops will be the actions of the authorities,” Häkämies notes, highlighting the role of regulation in ensuring a sustainable and well-controlled market.
A licensing system that strengthens player protection
While increased competition will inevitably bring greater visibility and marketing, FDJ UNITED believes that a licensed framework creates the right conditions to address gambling-related harm more effectively than the current system.
The Finnish licensing model will bring gambling activity into a more controlled environment, with clearer responsibility requirements and enforceable standards. FDJ UNITED has committed to reducing the share of revenue generated by high-risk players and to embedding player protection at the heart of its operations from day one.
This approach reflects the Group’s wider strategy across regulated markets, where growth and responsibility are treated as inseparable.
One of the most significant changes expected from market liberalisation is increased investment in sponsorship, particularly in sport.
According to Häkämies, FDJ UNITED expects a meaningful rise in annual sponsorship funding once the market opens, with sponsorship viewed as one of the most permissible and socially constructive forms of marketing under the Finnish Gambling Act.
Rather than short-term visibility, the focus is on long-term partnerships that support clubs, athletes and communities.
“A sponsor becomes part of a wider story. In many cases, fans and supporters are more closely connected to clubs and athletes than to leagues themselves,” Häkämies explains.
FDJ UNITED’s experience across multiple European markets has shown that well-structured, professional sponsorship can deliver sustainable benefits well beyond sport alone, extending into culture, events and wider community initiatives.
A local presence, backed by international scale
While FDJ UNITED operates globally with approximately 5000 employees across 10 countries, the Group is committed to establishing a local presence in Finland, including an office in Helsinki.
The Finnish operation will be supported by FDJ UNITED’s broader multi-market expertise, enabling efficient operations while ensuring decisions remain rooted in local knowledge and context
Unibet will be among the brands entering Finland, with further brand decisions to be confirmed closer to launch.
The post FDJ UNITED Aims to be Among the Top Three Licensed Gambling Operators in Finland appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eGaming Integrity has been named Independent Online Gambling Assurance Provider of the Year 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards, organised by SME News. The company is based in the Isle of Man and works with operators in regulated online gambling markets.
According to the company, the award recognises its assurance work aimed at helping gambling operators evaluate whether their compliance processes are prepared for regulated market requirements, as regulatory expectations increase around compliance standards and customer protection.
eGaming Integrity said its internal audit reviews assess how gambling businesses operate in practice, including whether procedures and controls meet standards expected by regulators. The company added that the process is designed to help operators identify where controls are effective and where improvements may be needed before issues emerge.
Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, said,
“This award recognises the reason eGaming Integrity was created. Responsible operators want to know where they stand before problems appear, and independent assurance provides that outside perspective.
“Our team has seen regulation from both sides, which helps us understand where processes can break down and how operators can make practical improvements.”
Speaking on the accomplishments of the 2026 winners, Laura O’Carroll, Awards Manager, said,
“The announcement of our UK Enterprise Awards is perhaps one of our most anticipated milestones every year, and the 2026 launch is no different. We are truly pleased to deliver our digital magazine and winners list, showcasing such excellence, to our readers again this year. Atop this, to our winners, and from our team to yours, we wish you all a sincere congratulations on your success in this year’s programme.”
The post eGaming Integrity wins SME News UK Enterprise Award for gambling assurance appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Booming Games has launched Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter, a new online slot released on 16 July 2026 from the supplier’s Malta base. The title is the second game in its Max Scatter series and uses a 6×4 grid with Scatter Pays, cascading wins and a stated maximum win potential of 15,000x.
The game pays when eight or more of the same symbol land. Winning symbols are removed and remaining symbols cascade down, with new symbols dropping in until no further wins are formed.
Free Spins are triggered by landing four or more Scatter symbols, including Scatters and Max Scatters, awarding 10 Free Spins. During the bonus, Random Multipliers can appear with values from 2x to 100x and remain active until the cascade sequence ends, after which multiplier values are combined and applied to the total win. Three or more Scatter symbols during Free Spins add five additional spins, while the feature ends if the max win is awarded.
Booming Games also includes Bonus Buy options priced at 100x the bet amount and a “Super Buy Bonus” at 500x, which the company says offers multipliers from 15x to 100x. A BOOST+ option increases the bet by 25% and increases the chance of triggering bonus features.
Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter is a great example of how we’re innovating within one of our top performing franchises. By adding exciting new Max Scatter mechanics to one of our most popular slots, we are confident the game will appeal to players looking for top-quality entertainment and high-stakes gameplay.”
The post Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming Realms has launched its Slingo portfolio in Switzerland with Swiss4Win.ch, the online casino brand of Casinò Lugano, on 16th July 2026.
The supplier said the agreement is its second operator launch in the Swiss market and extends distribution of its content library through Playtech’s platform.
Swiss4Win.ch players now have access to a selection of titles including Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Xxxtreme and Slingo Gold Cash.
Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Building on our recent debut in Switzerland, this partnership with Swiss4Win.ch will see us reach an even greater audience in the country where our unique content has been popular with local players.
“Switzerland represents an attractive market for us and this launch with a reputable local operator sees us strengthen our foothold in the region.”
Paolo Sanvido, CEO of Casinò Lugano, said: “We’re committed to offering our players a diverse portfolio of premium gaming content, and Gaming Realms’ Slingo titles bring something truly unique to our casino lobby. We’re excited to introduce these games to our customers and further strengthen our entertainment offering with engaging and innovative experiences.”
The post Gaming Realms launches Slingo games with Swiss4Win in Switzerland appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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