Online gambling sales increase in Finland

The state gambling monopoly reported that digital revenue improved 10 per cent year-on-year during the first quarter of 2018.

Finland.- Viekkaus, the state gambling monopoly from Finland, reported that sales decreased slightly during the first quarter of 2018 to €805.6 million, a one per cent fall. However, digital revenue improved by 10 per cent, bringing digital sales to 44 per cent.

Despite overall shares decreasing during the three-month period, Veikkaus’ revenue improved two per cent to €256 million. While traditional lottery and keno sales increased 4.2 per cent to €303 million, slots revenue posted the biggest increase with a 6.7 per cent to €207 million. On the other hand, combined race and sports betting revenue decreased 3.8 per cent to €150 million, and retail wagering fell 14.6 per cent.

The digital side of the company posted the best results between January and March 31st, as digital revenue rose 10 per cent year-on-year and boosting digital’s share of the first quarter overall sales to 44 per cent.

The state gambling monopoly said that it holds almost 90 per cent of the overall online market in the first quarter, but that it still needs to renew the company’s strategy in 2018 to respond to the strong change in the operating environment in order to compete with internationally licensed operators.