Veikkaus deputy CEO Velipekka Nummikoski will leave on August 31, ending 14 years at the Finnish state operator. He ran regulatory affairs, responsible gaming and communications.
Nummikoski took over the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY) as chief executive in 2012 and launched its online casino platform. In 2017 RAY, Fintoto and the former Veikkaus merged into one state monopoly, and he moved into the deputy CEO team.
The exit comes a year before the market opens. From 1 July 2027 Finland will license private operators for the online segment. Veikkaus keeps exclusivity on lotteries, scratch cards and part of land-based gambling, and will compete with international brands in betting and casino.
CEO Olli Sarekoski credited Nummikoski with the company's transformation. Nummikoski said he had been part of the process since digitalisation started reshaping the industry. Veikkaus backs the shift from monopoly to licensing, arguing it tightens state control over the legal market and helps against illegal operators. For affiliates and media buyers Finland stops being a closed market: new licences, new competition.
