Mr Vegas and DBET owner Immense Group has appointed Joonas Karhu as Managing Director – Finland, as iGaming operators flock to the country ahead of its 2027 gambling market.
Karhu returns to the company after leaving nearly a decade ago, having previously served as Immense Group’s Country Manager for Finland between 2016-2017.
After he departed, he co-founded gambling comparison website Bojoko, before it was acquired by global sports media company North Star Network in February 2025.
He transitioned into the role of Head of Casino at North Star but left at the end of last year.
Based in Helsinki, Karhu will oversee Immense Group’s strategic activities in Finland, supporting partnership development, media engagement and long-term market positioning for the group’s casino and betting brands.
“I’m pleased to be returning to Immense Group at an important point in its development,” he said.
“The group has built a strong portfolio of brands and a clear position in regulated markets. Finland offers meaningful long-term potential, and my focus will be on building strong partnerships, strengthening our local presence and supporting sustainable growth.
“I look forward to reconnecting with colleagues and engaging with partners across the industry.”
An Immense Finnish opportunity?
The appointment strengthens the Malta-based firm’s investment in Nordic markets and Karhu will lead the company’s preparation work ahead of Finland’s forthcoming licensing framework.
As Karhu’s previous role with the company suggests, Immense has had interests in the Finnish market for some time. The rules around offshore companies and Finnish betting are rather mixed on this matter.
Finns can legally access websites outside the Veikkaus Oy monopoly, but these companies cannot directly target Finnish customers, such as with Finnish-language marketing. Regardless, this situation will all change next year when the monopoly system is abolished.
Immense, which counts Videoslots, Kungaslottet and Mega Riches in its portfolio, is one of many looking to capitalise on Finland’s transition to a licensed online gambling regime over the coming year.
In the last week, Aland Islands operator Paf has halved its loss limit amid preparations for a nationwide launch, and sportsbook solutions giant Kambi has signed a deal with newly created sportsbook SuomiVeto.
The Finnish betting and gaming market will go live on 1 July 2027, with the launch date pushed back from the initial starting point of 1 January that year.