Veikkaus suspends floorball betting amid rule breach probe

The Finnish state-owned gambling operator Veikkaus has temporarily halted all betting on elite men’s floorball after a series of suspected breaches of betting rules raised concerns over the integrity of the sport. The suspension covers wagers on Finland’s top-tier F-Liiga, the Finnish Cup, international fixtures, and any other floorball-related matches.

This unprecedented measure underscores both the seriousness of the concerns and the increasingly vigilant stance of regulators and operators toward safeguarding sports against betting-related risks.

Background to the suspension

Veikkaus had already raised alarms last month during the World Games held in Chengdu, China. At the time, the operator blocked betting on floorball matches after noticing irregular wagering patterns that suggested insider knowledge may have influenced betting markets.

Following that decision, Veikkaus has now opted for a more comprehensive suspension of all betting activities connected to elite floorball. According to the company, no bets will resume until ongoing investigations are concluded and potential disciplinary measures are determined.

Investigation led by SUEK

The Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics (SUEK), an independent body tasked with overseeing sports integrity, has launched an inquiry into suspected match-fixing in floorball. SUEK has stated its intention to finalize its report within the month. After the investigation is complete, the Finnish Floorball Federation’s Competition and Disciplinary Group will decide whether sanctions are warranted.

Those individuals or organizations facing possible penalties will be granted time to respond before any decisions become final. This approach is intended to balance fairness with the need to uphold sporting integrity.

Matches under scrutiny

The investigation initially focused on two specific matches. The first was a fixture between Finland and Norway at the 2024 Men’s World Championship. The second involved a domestic game between Classic and SPV during the 2024–25 F-Liiga season. In both cases, Veikkaus reported unusually large betting volumes, raising suspicions that wagers may have been influenced by insider information.

What began as an inquiry into a handful of individuals has since expanded significantly. Current reports suggest that around 100 people—including players, coaches, and staff from every F-Liiga team—may have been involved in breaches of betting rules dating as far back as the 2021–22 season.

Although SUEK has emphasized that no evidence of criminal wrongdoing has been uncovered so far, the body has nevertheless identified multiple violations of sports regulations. Such breaches, even if not criminal, undermine the trust and integrity of competitions and can carry substantial disciplinary consequences.

Veikkaus reaffirms its stance

Mikko Lahti, Veikkaus’s head of security and risk management, has confirmed that the operator will reassess its decision to suspend betting once the disciplinary process is completed. He reiterated that Veikkaus has contractual agreements with the F-Liiga prohibiting players, coaches, and staff from placing bets on the games they are directly involved in.

This contractual framework is designed to safeguard against conflicts of interest and prevent any possibility of insider exploitation. The recent developments, however, indicate that rule enforcement may not have been as robust as intended, and the latest suspension could serve as a catalyst for tightening oversight.

Broader implications for sports integrity

The case highlights broader issues facing sports in Finland and beyond. Betting-related breaches, even without evidence of criminal match-fixing, can damage public trust in sporting competitions. Fans expect fair play, while betting operators rely on the credibility of sports to maintain consumer confidence.

The involvement of large numbers of players and staff across multiple teams suggests that betting rule education and enforcement may need strengthening. Other sports in Finland will likely pay close attention to the outcomes of this investigation, as it could set precedents for how rule violations are handled.

The opening of Finland’s gambling market

The timing of these developments is particularly significant because Finland is preparing to reform its gambling landscape. Currently, Veikkaus holds a state monopoly over gambling in the country, but this model is set to change.

The Finnish Gambling Act, which is progressing through Parliament, proposes to introduce a licensed, regulated online gambling market by 2027. Under this framework, international operators would be able to apply for licenses and compete with Veikkaus in Finland for the first time.

For Veikkaus, safeguarding its reputation as a responsible operator is crucial in the run-up to market liberalization. Any perception of lax enforcement of betting rules could weaken its position in a more competitive environment.

Industry interest in Finland’s future market

Even though liberalization remains several years away, international gambling companies are already preparing for entry.

One of the most active contenders is the Åland-based operator Paf. The company recently signed a major sponsorship agreement with the Finnish Ski Association, extending until 2030. This long-term partnership covers Finland’s national A-teams in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and nordic combined, along with U23 and U20 teams. Paf will also sponsor major events such as the FIS World Cup competitions in Ruka and Lahti, and the Finnish Cup.

Commenting on the deal, Thomas Näsman, a manager at Paf, described the covered sports as “core elements of Finnish identity” and emphasized that the company’s aim is to achieve strong brand visibility while promoting ethical gaming practices.

Another international operator that has publicly announced its intention to join the Finnish market is Sweden’s ATG. In partnership with Suomen Hippos, Finland’s horseracing authority, ATG plans to establish a presence once licensing becomes available.

Veikkaus financial performance

The challenges for Veikkaus extend beyond sports integrity issues. The operator’s latest financial results show a decline in performance. For the first half of 2025, Veikkaus reported revenues of €466.4 million, representing a 3.6 percent drop compared to the same period in the previous year.

The decline reflects both broader market challenges and the increasing readiness of Finland to transition away from a monopoly system. Analysts have noted that Veikkaus will need to adapt quickly if it is to remain competitive in the future liberalized market.

Looking ahead

The suspension of floorball betting illustrates the complex balancing act Veikkaus faces. On the one hand, it must act decisively to protect the integrity of sports. On the other, it must prepare itself for a future in which it no longer enjoys a monopoly position.

For athletes, coaches, and sporting organizations, the investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering strictly to betting rules. For fans, it is a test of whether the institutions responsible for protecting fair play can deliver on their promises.

The outcomes of the SUEK inquiry, expected later this month, will be closely watched both within Finland and across the wider European gambling and sports sectors.

Conclusion

The suspension of elite floorball betting by Veikkaus is more than a temporary measure; it is a signal of the growing importance of sports integrity in Finland as the country prepares for a major shift in its gambling framework. While no criminal wrongdoing has been identified to date, the scale of suspected rule breaches illustrates the challenges faced by both sports federations and gambling operators in maintaining trust.

For Veikkaus, the decision reflects a balancing act between protecting the credibility of sports and safeguarding its own position ahead of the opening of Finland’s gambling market in 2027. For athletes, coaches, and sporting bodies, the case highlights the need for stricter adherence to betting regulations and more comprehensive education about the consequences of violations.

Ultimately, the resolution of the investigation and the disciplinary process will shape public perception not only of floorball but also of Finland’s preparedness to manage a regulated, competitive gambling market. The way in which these issues are handled will likely influence the future confidence of players, fans, and operators alike.

FAQs

What has Veikkaus suspended?
Veikkaus has suspended all betting on elite men’s floorball, including the F-Liiga, Finnish Cup, international fixtures, and related matches.

Why was the suspension imposed?
The suspension was imposed due to suspected breaches of betting rules and irregular wagering patterns that raised integrity concerns.

Who is investigating the matter?
The Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics (SUEK) is conducting the investigation into suspected rule breaches and possible match-fixing.

Which matches are under investigation?
The inquiry initially focused on two games: Finland vs Norway at the 2024 Men’s World Championship and Classic vs SPV in the 2024–25 F-Liiga.

How many people are implicated?
Reports suggest that around 100 people, including players, coaches, and staff from all F-Liiga teams, may have breached betting rules.

Is there evidence of criminal activity?
SUEK has stated that no evidence of criminal wrongdoing has been found so far, though multiple sports regulation breaches have been identified.

What will happen after the investigation?
The Finnish Floorball Federation’s Competition and Disciplinary Group will decide on possible sanctions once the SUEK investigation is complete.

When will betting resume?
Veikkaus has stated that betting on elite floorball will not resume until the disciplinary process is concluded.

How does this affect Finland’s gambling market reform?
The case highlights the importance of integrity in gambling as Finland prepares to open its market to licensed competition in 2027.

Which operators plan to enter Finland’s market?
Paf and ATG have both announced their intentions to enter Finland’s regulated market once the monopoly system is replaced.