Veikkaus to end its monopoly as Norsk Tipping concludes NRK collaboration

Ahead of the imminent de-monopolisation of Finland’s market, Veikkaus Oy is set to conclude its operations as the nation’s current monopoly operator. Separately, Norway’s current monopoly operator Norsk Tipping has also ended its partnership with NRK.  

Finland: Out with the old...  

Finland has been in the process of ending its market monopoly for some time now and has formally announced that its new-look market is now set to open on 1 December 2026. This date, itself, is the product of a few prior delays. Nevertheless, the specification of current monopoly operator Veikkaus’ new role in the de-monopolised market indicates that the wheels now appear to be in motion.  

Indeed, the organisation will retain the monopoly on scratch cards, physical slot machines and casino games – as well as lottery-type games – as part of the new system. Its online slot and casino game monopoly will reach its conclusion, with applications for new operators – both local and overseas – set to open in March.  

Also specified as part of this latest release is legislation that will require all players to provide identification, and underlines that there will be strict restrictions on marketing, advertising and sponsorships.  

Norway: Lottery going digital  

Elsewhere, Norway’s monopoly operator Norsk Tipping has concluded its collaboration with NRK to officially end the broadcasting of lottery draws on television as of 11 April 2026. This decision reportedly stems from falling engagement figures, with officials stating that the draw has retained a strong digital following upon which an enhanced focus will be drawn moving forward. 

Speaking on this decision, NRK Head of Television Jan Egil Ådland, said: “The time is right to make this move. The audience has changed media habits, and we want to prioritize other content.”  

Building on this was Norsk Tipping Director of Customer Marketing, Roger Soleim, who stated: “The vast majority of our customers today follow the draws digitally, and this gives us the opportunity to develop new ways of communicating the results. So even though it is sad to end a long tradition, new doors are opened.  

“Our goal is the same as always: That customers can easily find the results, regardless of platform.”