Thunderkick slots go live on Veikkaus platform

Independent Swedish game developer Thunderkick has made a significant move to expand its presence in Northern Europe through a newly inked partnership with Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned gambling company. This strategic alliance marks the official launch of Thunderkick’s innovative gaming portfolio in the Finnish market and strengthens the developer’s position as a key player in the European iGaming landscape.

Facilitated by prominent casino aggregator EveryMatrix, the deal ensures that Finnish players now have access to Thunderkick’s most celebrated slot titles for the first time. Among the games now available to Veikkaus players are fan favorites such as Esqueleto Explosivo 2, Hot Potato, and Midas Golden Touch.

A milestone in Thunderkick’s European growth strategy

The deal with Veikkaus is not an isolated development, but part of a broader, long-term plan by Thunderkick to expand its influence across Europe. The studio, known for its visually distinct and gameplay-rich slots, has consistently emphasized Europe as a critical region for its global strategy. With operations already established in several major markets, the company is now doubling down on its efforts to reach new European audiences.

In December 2024, Thunderkick secured an updated Danish B2B licence, allowing it to strengthen its foothold in another key Nordic market. The entry into Finland now serves as a natural progression in the studio’s regional expansion efforts. Plans are also underway to enter new markets in Italy and the Netherlands, where the company is actively pursuing commercial agreements with regulated operators.

According to Svante Sahlström, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunderkick, the Veikkaus partnership is a long-anticipated achievement:

“Europe remains an integral part of our growth strategy as we continue to develop our global footprint.
Finland has been a long-standing target, and by partnering with the renowned operator Veikkaus, we can tap into the potential of an entirely new audience. We look forward to debuting our portfolio in the jurisdiction and have no doubt our content will be a success.”

Veikkaus: A gateway to Finnish players

Veikkaus operates as Finland’s only licensed gambling operator, controlling the provision of betting and gaming services within the country. It holds exclusive rights to operate lottery, sports betting, and slot machines, both online and at physical venues. The company is wholly owned by the Finnish government and channels its revenues into public welfare initiatives, such as education, health, and culture.

For any supplier wishing to enter the Finnish market, a collaboration with Veikkaus offers immediate access to a wide and loyal player base. As such, the Thunderkick-Veikkaus deal is not only commercially significant but also strategically valuable for the Swedish developer. By aligning itself with a trusted national brand, Thunderkick enhances its visibility and credibility in a newly entered market.

Key games to be launched in Finland

As part of the partnership, a curated selection of Thunderkick’s top-performing titles will be integrated into the Veikkaus platform. These games are renowned for their creative themes, engaging mechanics, and unique visuals. Some of the highlights include:

• Esqueleto Explosivo 2 – A vibrant and fast-paced slot inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead, featuring cascading wins and exploding wilds.
• Hot Potato – A newer addition to Thunderkick’s library, blending humor and fiery action into a quirky gameplay experience.
• Midas Golden Touch – A mythical-themed slot that builds on the legend of King Midas, offering sticky wilds and powerful bonus rounds.

These titles are representative of Thunderkick’s distinct approach to game design—balancing entertainment with high production values, all while creating titles that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

EveryMatrix’s role in enabling distribution

The distribution of Thunderkick’s games to Veikkaus is made possible through EveryMatrix, a leading iGaming software provider and aggregation platform. EveryMatrix serves as a bridge between game developers and operators, enabling smooth integrations and regulatory compliance across various markets.

Through its CasinoEngine platform, EveryMatrix allows content providers like Thunderkick to reach licensed operators efficiently, without the need to negotiate complex technical and legal frameworks independently. This streamlining is especially critical when entering tightly regulated jurisdictions such as Finland, where compliance requirements are strict and localized.

Regulatory context and market potential in Finland

Finland's gambling landscape is currently undergoing scrutiny and potential reform. While Veikkaus currently holds a monopoly over gambling services, the Finnish government has expressed interest in transitioning to a license-based model by 2026, aligning more closely with other European countries like Sweden and Denmark. In this context, early entry into the market provides forward-thinking developers with a head start and increased brand recognition ahead of potential liberalization.

For Thunderkick, entering Finland now allows the studio to gather valuable data on player preferences and market behavior, which could be instrumental if and when the market opens to more competition in the future.

The Finnish online gambling market, valued at approximately €2 billion, is considered one of the more lucrative in Europe. Thanks to its tech-savvy population and robust internet connectivity, Finland offers an ideal environment for forward-thinking game developers aiming to make a significant impact.

Thunderkick’s growing reputation in Europe

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Thunderkick has gradually carved out a reputation as one of the most creative and reliable independent studios in the iGaming world. While not the largest provider, the company is recognized for producing high-quality, original content that doesn’t conform to the mass-market formula.

Over the past few years, Thunderkick has expanded its reach beyond its home market of Sweden, securing partnerships with major operators in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Eastern Europe. The studio’s ability to blend innovation with compliance has made it a favored choice among aggregators and regulators alike.

With this latest expansion into Finland, Thunderkick continues its upward trajectory, pushing into markets where tailored content and brand differentiation are increasingly crucial.

Future outlook: A foundation for further growth

The collaboration with Veikkaus marks more than just another content deal—it sets a precedent for Thunderkick’s future market entries and reinforces its ambition to become a leading European content supplier. With a strong partner network, a distinctive product lineup, and a clear strategic direction, Thunderkick is well-positioned to continue its growth across Europe and beyond.

As regulatory landscapes evolve and player expectations rise, studios that invest in localized partnerships and premium content—like Thunderkick—are likely to emerge as long-term winners in the competitive iGaming sector.

Conclusion

Thunderkick's expansion into the Finnish market through its partnership with Veikkaus marks a pivotal step in the studio’s broader European growth strategy. By aligning with Finland’s trusted, state-operated gambling entity and leveraging the integration capabilities of EveryMatrix, Thunderkick not only gains access to a well-regulated and high-potential market but also reinforces its reputation as a forward-thinking and reliable content provider.

This move is emblematic of the studio’s commitment to delivering innovative and engaging slot experiences to new audiences while navigating the complex regulatory frameworks that define Europe’s iGaming industry. With its entry into Finland and forthcoming launches in Italy and the Netherlands, Thunderkick continues to build a robust foundation for long-term success. The Veikkaus partnership is more than a business deal—it is a strategic milestone that underscores Thunderkick’s dedication to quality, compliance, and sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.

FAQs

What is Thunderkick's latest market entry?
Thunderkick has officially entered the Finnish market through a partnership with Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned gambling company.

Who facilitated the Thunderkick and Veikkaus deal?
The deal was enabled by leading aggregator EveryMatrix, which streamlined the integration of Thunderkick’s games into Veikkaus’s platform.

Which games will Finnish players have access to?
Players in Finland can now enjoy Thunderkick titles such as Esqueleto Explosivo 2, Hot Potato, and Midas Golden Touch.

Why is Finland a strategic market for Thunderkick?
Finland has a high-value, tech-savvy gambling market and is part of Thunderkick’s broader European expansion strategy.

What does Veikkaus do?
Veikkaus is the Finnish state-owned gambling operator, managing betting, lottery, and gaming services across the country.

Is Finland planning to change its gambling regulation?
Yes, the Finnish government is exploring a shift from a monopoly system to a licensing model, potentially by 2026.

How does EveryMatrix help with game distribution?
EveryMatrix provides a technical and regulatory bridge that allows studios like Thunderkick to launch their games with licensed operators efficiently.

What other markets is Thunderkick targeting in 2025?
Thunderkick is focusing on entering Italy and the Netherlands, where it is negotiating additional commercial partnerships.

When did Thunderkick receive its Danish B2B license?
The company was granted an updated Danish B2B license in December 2024, strengthening its presence in the Nordic region.

What sets Thunderkick apart from other studios?
Thunderkick is known for its creative, high-quality slots that prioritize visual storytelling and engaging gameplay mechanics.