Jan Hagelberg, Senior Vice President for International Business at Veikkaus, has announced that Finnish authorities will commence issuing gambling licenses in September 2026. According to Hagelberg, this development is expected to usher in a new era for Veikkaus and the Finnish gambling market.
"We know this business, and there's a lot happening: technological advancements, new platforms, and fresh talent from companies like Kindred. We've even hired people from PokerStars. There's a lot happening on all fronts. We've been very busy," said Hagelberg.
The forecast coincides with Finland's preparations to launch its regulated gambling market, with the government committed to implementing the new system by 2026 at the latest. This marks a departure from the current monopoly model, where the state-owned Veikkaus holds exclusive rights to provide iGaming and sports betting services in Finland.