In the first half of 2026, Veikkaus, the state monopoly gambling operator in Finland, experienced growth in sales while preparing for the transition of the Finnish gambling market to a partially liberalized one.
Revenue from Veikkaus amounted to €471.3 million in the first half of 2026, which is an increase of 1% compared to last year when revenues came to €466.4 million; profit also showed a modest increase, reaching €234.2 million, or 2% more than a year before.
In accordance with the new arrangement, Veikkaus is going to pay an approximate amount of €1 billion within the next ten years for an exclusive lottery license, and a major part has to be paid at the very beginning of the year.
Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski said:
It is great to see that our investments in digital business and technical capabilities are delivering results.
To better prepare itself for more competition and costs connected to the license acquisition, Veikkaus is restructuring its department for data and artificial intelligence, so 15 of current positions will be eliminated and 17 new ones will be created.
Reija Airas, EVP of people, culture and communications at Veikkaus, said:
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.
Veikkaus also implemented organizational changes and it has been split into two branches: responsible for the exclusive lottery and for the gambling and betting markets which function under the license.
Moreover, Veikkaus will join the newly created Rahapeliala ry, the Gambling Industry Association of Finland.
Mika Kuismanen, CEO of the trade body, said:
Veikkaus is a significant operator in Finland, and its membership strengthens the representativeness and expertise of our industry advocacy.
Sarekoski said membership would allow Veikkaus to work alongside other operators on industry advocacy and contribute to the development of Finland’s future gambling system.
