Veikkaus Prepares for Changes in Finnish Gambling System
Veikkaus, the Finnish gambling company, is getting ready for the upcoming changes in the country’s gambling system. The Finnish Government has announced that a partial multi-license system will be adopted from 1 January 2026.
According to Heli Lallukka, Veikkaus’ Executive Vice President of HR, these changes present both opportunities and challenges for the company. Veikkaus will be revising its personnel structure and focusing on its core business to strengthen its expertise.
After negotiations that began in September, Veikkaus has finalized its organizational structure changes. These changes are aimed at supporting their strategic goals of becoming the market leader in Finland and a globally competitive gambling company.
In the coming years, Veikkaus will invest significantly to enhance its competitiveness. While the company already has top-level professionals in the field, it recognizes the need for external expertise. Particularly, career opportunities in the tech sector will be emphasized both now and in the future.
As part of the restructuring, Veikkaus’ business operations will be divided into three sections. The domestic business, including games of chance, slot machines, and company-owned arcades, will be overseen by SVP Nora Vähävirta. SVP Jarkko Nordlund will be responsible for the domestic business’s online casino and betting, while SVP Jonas Reuter will lead the international business sector.
Unfortunately, as a result of these changes, around 185-215 Veikkaus employees will lose their jobs, and approximately 110-150 employees will experience significant changes in their terms of employment.
Veikkaus announced the commencement of these change negotiations in September, estimating that up to 240 employment relations would be terminated and 195 employees would face changes in their terms of employment. However, after constructive dialogue with personnel representatives, the final figures turned out to be lower.
The exact dates of job terminations and changes in terms of employment will be determined by the end of the year. Factors such as employee decisions on accepting offered positions and titles, as well as internal transfers within the company, will influence these outcomes.
In addition, Casino Tampere will be closed after 9 December, and 19 game arcades will be shut down on 22 December 2023 as part of the change negotiations.
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