Finland’s state-owned gaming operator, Veikkaus, has appointed Chris Armes as the executive vice president of Gaming Technologies, a move designed to position the company for changes amid the ongoing liberalisation of Finland's gambling market. The announcement, made on Monday, states that Armes will assume his role in the autumn of 2026 and will lead the technology organization from Veikkaus’ headquarters in Helsinki.
Olli Sarekoski, Veikkaus’ president and CEO, emphasised that Armes’ experience in transforming iGaming technology and managing operations in highly regulated markets played a crucial role in his selection. "Chris Armes’ strong commitment to responsible gaming and security aligns well with our values," Sarekoski remarked, adding that Armes will be vital in developing "first-class customer experiences and technological innovation."
As Veikkaus gears up for increased competition following regulatory reforms, the company is focusing on updating its digital platforms and expanding its international reach. Finland's gambling market is gradually liberalising, which will dismantle Veikkaus’ long-held monopoly and welcome both domestic and international operators. By June, 50 companies had applied for licenses, with many being foreign firms, according to the Finnish regulator.
Industry expert Jari Vähänen, a former senior executive at Veikkaus, estimated that the overall market could be valued as high as €4.5 billion ($5.24 billion) after the changes take effect.
Armes comes to this position with significant experience, having previously worked at High5Games, where he managed technology and operations across B2B and B2C markets. His career also includes leadership roles at Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) and Scientific Games Digital, where he notably orchestrated the integration following Scientific Games’ purchase of NYX Gaming Group.
“I am excited to join Veikkaus, an ambitious and forward-looking company entering a crucial new phase,” said Armes, expressing his eagerness to foster technology-driven growth and enhance digital platforms for players.
In another development, Veikkaus announced that Ari Aarnihuhta—who has been with the company for many years—will transition to an executive adviser role. Sarekoski recognised Aarnihuhta's significant contributions to the company in a formal statement.
