Velipekka Nummikoski is set to leave Finland’s state-owned gambling operator Veikkaus at the end of August, closing a 14-year career that covered major changes to the country’s gambling system.
Veikkaus confirmed that Nummikoski’s final working day will be 31 August 2026. He joined the Finnish Slot Machine Association, RAY, as chief executive in 2012 before becoming Deputy CEO of the newly formed Veikkaus following the 2017 merger of RAY, Fintoto and the previous Veikkaus operation.
During his time at the combined company, Nummikoski held responsibility for areas including public affairs, responsible gambling and communications. In January 2026, he moved away from Veikkaus’ Executive Team into project duties within CEO Olli Sarekoski’s executive office, with the company opting not to immediately appoint a replacement Deputy CEO.
His departure comes during preparations for one of the biggest changes in Finland’s gambling market in decades. From 1 July 2027, licensed private operators will be permitted to compete in online casino gaming and sports betting, ending Veikkaus’ exclusive position in those segments. The company will continue to hold exclusive rights over products including lotteries and scratchcards, as well as parts of land-based gambling.
The wider reform introduces a licensing system for gambling operators and software suppliers, alongside rules covering player identification, marketing, gambling restrictions and regulatory enforcement. Finland’s government proposal also sets a unified gambling tax rate of 22%.
Nummikoski’s career at Veikkaus therefore spans both the creation of Finland’s unified gambling monopoly and the preparations to partially dismantle that structure. Sarekoski credited him with making an important contribution to the company’s development, particularly across public affairs, responsibility and communications.