Veikkaus

Veikkaus Oy, commonly known as Veikkaus, is Finland's state-owned national gambling operator. It runs lotteries, sports betting, online casino-style games, and other forms of gaming, operating both a retail network and an online platform (veikkaus.fi). The company holds the government-granted monopoly on most forms of legal gambling in Finland, with operations overseen by the Ministry of Finance.

History and ownership: The modern Veikkaus Oy was established in 2017 through the merger of three state-owned gambling entities: Veikkaus (lotteries and traditional games), Raha-automaattiyhdistys (RAY, slot machines), and Fintoto (horse racing betting). The Finnish state remains the sole owner of Veikkaus Oy, reflecting Finland's approach to gambling regulation and public welfare funding.

Products and services: Veikkaus offers a range of products, including Lotto, Viking Lotto, Eurojackpot, Keno, and scratch tickets; sports betting and other wagering games; and online casino-style games. It operates both physical points of sale and the online platform, and it collaborates with Finnish partners to deliver its services within the legal framework.

Revenue and allocation: Veikkaus’ profits are directed to public welfare initiatives in Finland, with funding allocated to culture, science, sports, education, and social welfare under government oversight. This distribution is intended to support national development and social programs.

Regulation and responsibility: Veikkaus maintains responsible gaming policies, implements player protection measures, and complies with Finnish anti-money laundering regulations. The company faces ongoing scrutiny as Finland debates the balance between public welfare goals and market competition within the broader European context.