Veikkaus suspends betting on floorball following Finnish integrity investigation

• Finland’s state-owned gambling operator Veikkaus has halted betting on elite men’s floorball following suspected integrity violations
• The Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics is investigating suspicious betting activity linked to multiple matches in the sport
• The suspension comes as Finland prepares for major gambling market reforms set to end Veikkaus’s monopoly by 2027

Veikkaus has suspended all betting on elite men’s floorball in Finland as authorities investigate suspected integrity breaches within the sport.

The state-owned gambling monopoly Veikkaus announced the decision following discoveries of suspicious betting patterns that have prompted a wider investigation by sports integrity officials.

The Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics is leading the probe into alleged violations that have affected multiple matches within the country’s top-tier floorball competitions. The investigation has uncovered evidence of potential insider betting, prompting the operator to take immediate action to protect the integrity of its wagering markets.

The timing of the scandal could not be more sensitive for Finnish gambling. The suspension comes just days before the start of the new floorball season and as Finland prepares for substantial gambling reforms scheduled for 2027. These changes will end Veikkaus’s decades-long monopoly and introduce competitive licensing for online sports betting and iGaming.

Veikkaus’s decision reflects growing concerns about sports integrity across European markets. The operator has been proactive in monitoring betting patterns and working with regulatory bodies to identify potential violations. The company’s cooperation with the Finnish Centre for Sports Ethics demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the investigation.

The floorball scandal represents one of Finland’s most significant sports integrity challenges in recent years. The investigation involves over 100 players and staff members, with authorities examining betting activities across several matches. The scale of the probe has raised questions about oversight mechanisms within Finnish sport.