Veikkaus renews digital services and splits betting and casino in 2026
Two separate apps, new subsidiaries and licence applications submitted in May 2026
Key Takeaways
- Veikkaus announced on 3 November 2026 it will renew its website and apps during 2026 and split betting and casino into separate Vedot & iCasino and Lotot & Arvat apps.
- Veikkaus Onnenpelit Oy and Veikkaus Vedonlyönti ja Nettikasino Oy submitted licence applications to Poliisihallitus at the end of May 2026.
- Poliisihallitus had issued initial permits by 29 October 2026 but Veikkaus’s subsidiaries were not among the first licence holders published.
- In H1 2026, 64.5% of Veikkaus’s margin came from digital channels and the restructuring plans include up to 15 cuts and 17 new roles.
Veikkaus announced on 3 November 2026 that it will renew its digital services during the remainder of 2026, splitting betting and casino games into separate products and apps. The company said the change will be implemented in phases and that customer credentials, player accounts and commercial relationships will remain unchanged.
How the digital structure will look
The renewal will divide offerings into two apps: Vedot & iCasino for betting and online casino, and Lotot & Arvat for lotteries and draws. Veikkaus specified that the Veikkaus.fi website will be reorganised so each game group has its own section. Availability of games in gaming arcades, at Casino Helsinki and across the agent point-of-sale network will remain the same.
Corporation, licences and timetable
Veikkaus created two subsidiaries to separate operations: Veikkaus Onnenpelit Oy will manage activity covered by the monopoly licence and Veikkaus Vedonlyönti ja Nettikasino Oy will apply for a licence to operate in markets open to competition. Both companies submitted their licence applications to the Poliisihallitus at the end of May 2026.
Poliisihallitus has already granted initial operating permits, according to its 29 October 2026 statement, but Veikkaus’s subsidiaries were not among the first licence holders published in late October. Poliisihallitus is responsible for licensing and gambling supervision until 30 June 2027; from July 2027 oversight responsibility will transfer to Lupa- ja valvontavirasto.
Veikkaus reminded stakeholders that it is subject to a marketing ban imposed in November 2024 which runs for two years and expires on 12 November 2026, and warned that if the licence applications are resolved before that date the ban could be an obstacle to granting permits.
Operational data and workforce
In the first half of 2026, 64.5% of the company’s margin came from digital channels, according to the report cited by Veikkaus. In restructuring negotiations this autumn, Veikkaus said it plans to eliminate up to 15 positions and create 17 new roles, focusing on data, artificial intelligence, customer insight and commercial development.
Commercial partnerships
At the end of October Veikkaus announced a commercial partnership with Viaplay to launch the Viabet brand, owned and developed by Veikkaus, targeting the Finland and Denmark markets and supported by Viaplay’s sports content and Veikkaus’s data and analytics capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Veikkaus announce on 3 November 2026?
Veikkaus announced on 3 November 2026 that it will renew its website and apps through the rest of 2026 and split betting and casino into the Vedot & iCasino app and lotteries into Lotot & Arvat. The company said customer credentials, accounts and business relationships will remain unchanged.
Which subsidiaries did Veikkaus create and what are they for?
Veikkaus created Veikkaus Onnenpelit Oy for activity linked to the monopoly licence and Veikkaus Vedonlyönti ja Nettikasino Oy to apply for licences in competitive markets. Both submitted licence applications to Poliisihallitus at the end of May 2026.
How does the marketing ban affect the licence applications?
A marketing ban imposed on Veikkaus in November 2024 runs until 12 November 2026. Veikkaus warned that if the licence applications are resolved before that date the ban could impede the granting of permits; Poliisihallitus processes applications in order of receipt.
What share of margin came from digital channels in 2026?
According to Veikkaus’s cited report, 64.5% of the company’s margin in the first half of 2026 came from digital channels.
Who will supervise gambling licences in Finland and when will that change?
Poliisihallitus will handle licensing and supervision until 30 June 2027; from July 2027 oversight responsibility will move to Lupa- ja valvontavirasto.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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