Gaming in Europe to launch new Gaming in Finland conference during ICE Barcelona 2026

Finland’s planned re-regulation of online gambling in 2026 is prompting early industry positioning, with Gaming in Europe set to introduce its Gaming in Finland initiative during ICE Barcelona 2026.

The initiative will debut with an evening conference in Barcelona on January 19, 2026, scheduled from 6 PM to 10 PM. The launch event will be held during ICE Barcelona week and will focus on regulatory and operational considerations tied to Finland’s forthcoming licensed iGaming market.

The Gaming in Finland evening conference is being organized in close cooperation with Finnish market stakeholders. The program will combine structured discussions with networking, tapas, and drinks. Sessions will address regulatory frameworks, market access conditions, and compliance requirements connected to Finland’s transition toward a regulated online gambling environment.

Organizers stated that the conference is intended primarily for future B2C and B2B license holders preparing for potential market entry.

The program will feature legal advisers, market consultants, trade association leaders, data analysts, and compliance specialists. Confirmed participants include Pekka Ilmivalta, head of the Finnish office at Nordic Legal; Morten Ronde, founding partner at Nordic Legal; Jari Vähänen, founding partner at The Finnish Gambling Consultants; Mika Kuismanen, CEO of The Finnish Trade Association for Online Gambling; Josh Hodgson, COO of H2 Gambling Capital; Niklas Bondestam, CEO of Ubetec; Jessica Maier, co-founder of EGARA; and Paul Foster, CEO of Crucial Compliance.

Morten Ronde, founding partner at Nordic Legal, said Finland’s regulatory shift creates early planning considerations for operators and suppliers.

“Finland’s move to open its gambling market in 2027 creates a rare opportunity for operators and suppliers to enter a newly regulated European market from day one,” said Ronde. “Our Barcelona event during ICE will combine expert insight on the Finnish framework with high-quality networking for those looking to establish an early presence.”

Gaming in Europe founder Willem van Oort said interest is expected based on developments in other Nordic jurisdictions. Gaming in Europe is also the organizer of events Gaming in Holland, Gaming in Spain, and Gaming in Germany.

“After a long wait, Finland will finally re-regulate its iGaming market in 2026. Looking at other Nordic markets, it is a safe bet that local demand for regulated gambling will be significant,” said van Oort. “Naturally, operator interest in this market is large. Together with local stakeholders, we hope to provide interested parties with the knowledge and connections to help make their eventual market entry a success.”

Attendance at the inaugural Gaming in Finland evening conference is limited. Interested participants are required to register their interest through the Gaming in Europe website, after which confirmation of availability will be provided.