Veikkaus, Finland’s state-run gambling monopoly, has temporarily halted all betting on men’s elite floorball competitions due to allegations of extensive rule violations within the sport. The suspension encompasses the top-tier F-Liiga, the Finnish Cup, international matches, and other related events. This decision comes as the Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics (SUEK) delves into a comprehensive investigation regarding potential match-fixing activities in Finnish floorball. The probe, expected to conclude by the end of the month, will allow the Finnish Floorball Federation’s Competition and Disciplinary Group to determine any necessary sanctions. Those implicated will have several weeks to present their defense.
Veikkaus had already taken a cautious approach last month by blocking bets on the World Games matches in Chengdu, China, following reports of suspicious betting activities. The state operator has clarified that betting will not resume until the disciplinary actions are finalized. Mikko Lahti, head of security and risk management at Veikkaus, stressed that the company aims to maintain the integrity of the sport and will reassess its position following the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
The investigation initially focused on a select few individuals but has now widened significantly. Approximately 100 individuals, including players, coaches, and team staff from every team in the F-Liiga, are now implicated. The violations, some of which date back to the 2021–22 season, involve placing bets in violation of Veikkaus’ agreement with the F-Liiga. This agreement strictly prohibits players, coaches, and staff from betting on games. Although no criminal activity has been found, SUEK has uncovered numerous breaches of sports regulations.
In the broader context of the gambling industry in Finland, Veikkaus is preparing for substantial changes as the country’s gambling market opens to competition by 2027. The Finnish Gambling Act, presently under parliamentary review, aims to establish a licensed and regulated online gambling market. This change could significantly alter the landscape, with international operators expressing interest in entering the market.
A significant potential entrant is the Åland-based gaming company Paf, which has recently secured a major sponsorship agreement with the Finnish Ski Association. This sponsorship is set to last until 2030 and covers a range of skiing disciplines, including cross-country, Nordic combined, and ski jumping. Thomas Näsman, a manager at Paf, highlighted the importance of these sports as central elements of Finnish culture and emphasized the company’s commitment to ethical gaming. Additionally, Sweden’s ATG, in collaboration with Finland’s horseracing body Suomen Hippos, has also announced plans to join the market.
Veikkaus is facing financial challenges, having reported a 3.6 percent decline in revenue for the first half of 2025, bringing earnings to €466.4 million. This decrease is attributed to the evolving competitive environment and regulatory changes in the gambling sector.
The opening of Finland’s gambling market to international competition presents both opportunities and challenges. While new entrants like Paf and ATG are eager to establish a presence, Veikkaus will need to adapt to maintain its market share. This shift raises questions about how the traditional monopoly will compete with private operators in a more open environment.
Supporters of an open market argue that increased competition could lead to better services, more consumer choices, and potentially higher tax revenues for the state. Conversely, critics warn that the influx of foreign operators might lead to aggressive marketing tactics and increased gambling-related harm. The balance between regulation and competition will be crucial in navigating these changes.
As Finland’s gambling landscape evolves, the importance of maintaining ethical standards and ensuring fair play remains paramount. The ongoing investigation into floorball betting underscores the need for stringent oversight and the role of organizations like SUEK in safeguarding the integrity of sports. For Veikkaus, adapting to a new market dynamic while upholding ethical gaming practices will be key in navigating the challenges ahead.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
