Veikkaus has detailed that up to 215 redundancies could be felt across the group, with a potential 150 to witness a shift in roles, as the group continues to prepare for the implementation of a multi-licensing system.
This confirms noise emanating from the company earlier in the year, as Finland moves towards a licensing model, which is expected to be implemented as of January 1, 2026.
Veikkaus’ digital gambling business is intended to become part of the international licensing gaming market, however, lottery and physical slot machines will remain within the monopoly.
In addition to detailing cuts to employment contracts and venues, Veikkaus is to also undertake an organisational restructure in a bid to “support our strategy-based goals”.
This, the group noted, comprises being the market leader in Finland in the future, as well as an internationally competitive, growing gambling company.
“The upcoming changes in the system are a great opportunity for Veikkaus, but they also bring many changes to us at Veikkaus,” stated Heli Lallukka, Executive Vice President of HR.
“Our personnel structure will be revised, and we will be focusing on our core business, working to strengthen our know-how there.”
Under Veikkaus’ business alterations, the company will be split into three core divisions. SVP Nora Vähävirta will oversee domestic business, which includes games of chance, slot machines, and arcades, while SVP Jarkko Nordlund‘s responsibilities in the domestic business will be the online casino and betting. The final section concerns the company’s international business, which will be led by SVP Jonas Reuter.
As a result, it has been confirmed that 185-215 employees will lose their jobs, while a further 110-150 will see terms of employment changed.
The exact dates regarding the end of employment, as well as the material changes to terms, will be determined by the end of the year. Factors affecting this centres around an employee’s decisions on whether to accept the positions and titles offered, as well as potential internal transfers.
In addition, Casino Tampere, which debuted in September 2020, will be closed after December 9, 2023, with a total of 19 games arcades to follow suit on December 22, 2023.
“In the coming years, we will be making significant investments to strengthen our competitiveness,” Lallukka added.
“We already have top-level professionalism in the field, but in the future, we will also need know-how from outside the company. For example, we can offer uniquely brilliant career paths and multiple opportunities in the tech sector at present, as well as in the future.”
