In the first half of 2026, Veikkaus, Finland's state-owned gambling operator, reported a sales increase as it gears up for the shift toward a partially liberalized gambling market. The company's revenue reached €471.3 million, reflecting a 1% rise from €466.4 million in the same period last year. Profit also rose modestly, hitting €234.2 million, a 2% increase compared to the prior year.
As part of the new arrangement, Veikkaus plans to disburse approximately €1 billion over the next decade for an exclusive lottery license, with a substantial portion to be paid at the year's outset.
Olli Sarekoski, CEO of Veikkaus, expressed optimism: "It is great to see that our investments in digital business and technical capabilities are delivering results."
To better navigate the anticipated competition and costs related to the license, Veikkaus is restructuring its data and artificial intelligence department. This will result in the elimination of 15 existing positions while creating 17 new roles.
Reija Airas, EVP of People, Culture and Communications at Veikkaus, remarked on the transformative nature 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."
Additionally, Veikkaus has restructured into two branches, one dedicated to the exclusive lottery and the other to gambling and betting markets operating under the license.
Furthermore, Veikkaus is set to join the newly established Rahapeliala ry, or the Gambling Industry Association of Finland. Mika Kuismanen, the CEO of the association, stated, "Veikkaus is a significant operator in Finland, and its membership strengthens the representativeness and expertise of our industry advocacy."
Sarekoski noted that joining the association would enhance Veikkaus's involvement in industry advocacy and assist in shaping the future of Finland's gambling system.
