Veikkaus Deputy CEO Velipekka Nummikoski will leave Finland’s state-owned gambling operator on August 31, ending a 14-year career with the company as the country prepares for the opening of its online gambling market to private operators next year.
Nummikoski joined the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY) as chief executive in 2012, where he oversaw the launch of its online casino platform. He later joined the executive team that merged RAY, Fintoto and the previous Veikkaus in 2017 to create the current state-owned gambling company.
Nummikoski became deputy CEO of Veikkaus following the merger, overseeing public affairs, responsible gambling and communications.
“I started as RAY’s CEO in 2012 at a time when digitalisation was starting to change the gambling industry,” Nummikoski said. “I had the opportunity to be involved in the merger of three companies into a new Veikkaus and on the way to a competitive market. It’s been extremely rewarding to work in the midst of that transformation.”
His departure comes ahead of a major change in Finland’s gambling system. From July 1, 2027, licensed private operators will be allowed to offer online casino games and sports betting, ending Veikkaus’ exclusive control over those products.
Veikkaus will retain exclusive rights to lotteries, scratchcards and parts of land-based gambling, while competing with international operators in online betting and casino.
“Next year, Veikkaus will go into a new era, and also it will be my challenge to step onto a new path,” Nummikoski said.
Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski praised Nummikoski’s contribution to the company during its transformation.
“Velipekka Nummikoski has had a long and distinguished career at Veikkaus and has held several demanding management positions,” Sarekoski said. “I would like to thank him warmly for his significant work for the company.”
Veikkaus has supported Finland’s move from a monopoly to a licensing system, saying the change will help the state strengthen oversight of the regulated market and tackle unlicensed gambling.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/08/18/125925-veikkaus-deputy-ceo-to-leave-ahead-of-finlands-2027-market-opening
