Veikkaus halts betting on men’s floorball amid probe into suspected insider bets
The state-run gambling operator has suspended bets as the Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics continues its inquiry.
Finland.- The state-run monopoly gambling operator Veikkaus has temporarily suspended wagering on elite men’s floorball following suspicions of extensive rule breaches in the sport. The measure affects all bets on the top-tier F-Liiga, the Finnish Cup, international fixtures and other related matches.
Last month, Veikkaus had blocked bets on matches at the World Games in Chengdu, China, citing suspicious activity. It now says it will not resume any elite floorball betting until possible disciplinary actions are complete.
The Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics (SUEK) is conducting an investigation into suspected match-fixing in Finnish floorball. It intends to complete the probe this month, after which the Finnish Floorball Federation’s Competition and Disciplinary Group will decide on any sanctions. Those facing penalties will be granted several weeks to respond.
The initial concerns involved two games: a match between Finland and Norway in the 2024 Men’s World Championship, and a domestic domestic between Classic and SPV in the 2024–25 F-Liiga season. In both cases, Veikkaus flagged unusually large bets possibly based on insider information.
The inquiry was first limited to around a dozen people, but it’s now said that around 100 people, including players, coaches, and staff from every F-Liiga team, breached betting rules, with violations dating back to the 2021–22 season. SUEK has stressed that it has found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing so far but that is has identified numerous violations of sports regulations.
Mikko Lahti, who oversees security and risk management at Veikkaus, confirmed that the company will reevaluate its stance once the disciplinary process concludes. Under its agreement with the F-Liiga, Veikkaus prohibits players, coaches, and staff from placing bets on games.
The opening of the Finnish gambling market
Veikkaus is preparing for the opening of the Finnish gambling market to competition from 2027. The Finnish Gambling Act, currently working its way through Parliament, would introduce a licensed regulated online gambling market.
One keen contender to enter the market is Åland-based gaming firm Paf, which last week announced a major sponsorship agreement with the Finnish Ski Association, set to run through 2030. The agreement spans Finland’s A-teams in cross-country skiing, nordic combined, and ski jumping, as well as U23 and U20 squads. Paf will also support key events like the FIS World Cup competitions in Ruka and Lahti, and the Finnish Cup.
Thomas Näsman, a manager at Paf, called the covered sports “core elements of Finnish identity” and underscored the value of brand visibility and the company’s goal to lead the industry in ethical gaming practices. Another company that’s already announced its intention to enter the market is Sweden’s ATG in a joint venture with the Finnish horseracing body Suomen Hippos.
Veikkaus reported a dip in financial performance for the first half of 2025. Revenue fell 3.6 per cent year-on-year to €466.4m.
