In the first half of 2026, Veikkaus, Finland's state monopoly gambling operator, reported a rise in sales as it prepares for a shift towards a partially liberalized gambling market. During this period, Veikkaus generated revenues of €471.3 million, marking a 1% increase from the previous year's €466.4 million. Profit also grew modestly, totaling €234.2 million, a 2% increase compared to the same timeframe last year.
As part of new regulations, Veikkaus is set to pay around €1 billion over the next decade for an exclusive lottery license, with a significant payment due at the start of the year.
Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski expressed satisfaction with the company's performance, highlighting the positive outcomes of their investments in digital technologies and capabilities. To adapt to increased competition and costs associated with the license transition, Veikkaus is restructuring its data and artificial intelligence department, resulting in the elimination of 15 existing positions while creating 17 new roles.
Reija Airas, Executive Vice President of People, Culture, and Communications at Veikkaus, emphasized the importance of this restructuring. "What is essential in this change is that the focus and content of work will change: while some current roles are planned to end, more new roles are being created in terms of number. We want to ensure that we are ready to meet future requirements with our strong expertise. The new market situation requires us to be able to renew our capabilities and ways of working," she stated.
Additionally, organizational changes have led Veikkaus to divide into two branches: one focusing on the exclusive lottery and the other on gambling and betting markets operated under the license.
Veikkaus will also join the newly established Gambling Industry Association of Finland, Rahapeliala ry. CEO Mika Kuismanen noted, "Veikkaus is a significant operator in Finland, and its membership strengthens the representativeness and expertise of our industry advocacy." Sarekoski added that this membership would enable Veikkaus to collaborate with other operators on industry advocacy initiatives and play a role in shaping the future of Finland's gambling framework.
