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Veikkaus plans 17 new roles in pre-liberalisation restructure

The Finnish operator has opened change negotiations that could end 15 existing positions, create 17 new roles and substantially alter four others.

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Key Points
Negotiations cover Veikkaus’ Data & AI unit, two business units and finance teams
Up to 15 positions could end while 17 new roles are planned
The consultation process is expected to last approximately three weeks

Veikkaus has initiated change negotiations covering several operational functions as the Finnish state-owned operator restructures ahead of the country’s transition to a competitive licensing system.

The proposal, issued on 2 September, applies to the company’s Data & AI unit, two business units and parts of its finance organisation. Veikkaus expects the negotiations to last approximately three weeks.

Under the current plan, up to 15 existing positions could end, while 17 new roles would be created. A further four positions may undergo substantial changes.

The figures indicate that the number of proposed new positions exceeds the number potentially being removed. However, Veikkaus did not specify whether affected employees would transfer directly into the new roles or what skills those positions would require.

The company said the process is intended to reshape its methods before Finland opens its licensed online gambling market on 1 July 2027. That reform will introduce competition in online casino gaming and sports betting, ending Veikkaus’ monopoly in those product categories.

Commenting on the development, Reija Airas, Veikkaus Executive Vice-President for People, Culture and Communications, stated: "The new market situation requires us to be able to renew our capabilities and ways of working.

"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 negotiations form part of Veikkaus’ wider organisational transformation, with the operator recently appointing former High5Games executive Chris Armes to lead Gaming Technologies, while long-serving Executive Vice-President Velipekka Nummikoski left at the end of August. 

Earlier in 2026, Janne Rajalahti and Eeva Salonen also joined the Veikkaus board to add international business and transformation experience.

Good to know

Finland’s licensed online casino and sports betting market is scheduled to open on 1 July 2027

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