Veikkaus Oy has a brand new VP of Sports activities Betting after former Director of Sportsbook for Kindred Group, Andreas Reimblad, joined the ranks of Finland’s state gaming operator in what it describes as “one of the crucial vital striker signings within the very lengthy historical past of Veikkaus betting.”
Veikkaus welcomes Andreas Reimblad as VP of Sports activities Betting:
An skilled skilled, Andreas has a formidable monitor report within the worldwide sports activities betting trade, managing complicated betting platforms and working in a number of regulated markets. The corporate anticipates he will likely be a game-changer, and they’re thrilled to have him on board to assist form the way forward for Veikkaus betting.
“I’m excited to be a part of Veikkaus’ journey,” Andreas shared. “The potential for Veikkaus to enter the worldwide stage aligns properly with my expertise throughout numerous markets. I’m desperate to contribute my data to this thrilling journey. Veikkaus holds a revered popularity within the trade amongst operators and suppliers, so the timing of my transition feels good.”
“Andreas is bringing glorious worldwide experience in betting enterprise, operation, improvement, and steady enchancment of the participant expertise,” acknowledged Jarkko Nordlund, EVP of Sports activities Betting and On-line Gaming. “It’s nice to have a world skilled to strengthen Veikkaus’ enterprise.”
The brand new appointment intently follows Reimblad’s June 2024 resignition as Director of Sportsbook at Kindred Group after spending greater than a decade with the European on-line playing firm. The announcement was confirmed by Veikkaus in a LinkedIn submit, with Reimblad beginning his new position on July 1st.
Reimblad’s tenure at Kindred included three and a half years as Director of Sportsbook. Earlier than that, he held a number of improvement positions throughout the vertical. He additionally had a short stint at IGT as a Product Supervisor for betting and bingo, adopted by one other interval at Kindred throughout its Unibet days.
Finland prepares for playing market reforms:
The appointment comes because the Finnish authorities publishes a draft proposal to re-regulate playing in Finland, aiming to open the nation’s on-line market and finish the present monopoly. The draft invoice outlines how the market will launch, with the federal government planning to finish a session by mid-August. A remaining draft invoice will likely be submitted for parliamentary approval in the course of the spring session of 2025.
If authorized, operators can begin making use of for licenses within the first quarter of 2026. Veikkaus will keep its monopoly over sports activities betting and on-line on line casino operations till the fourth quarter of 2026. After that, it will likely be divided into two entities: one will proceed to run a monopoly for lottery and land-based gaming, whereas the opposite will compete within the on-line market.
The Finnish authorities’s proposal marks a big shift within the nation’s playing panorama, paving the way in which for a extra aggressive market. Veikkaus is positioning itself to adapt to those adjustments, and the addition of Reimblad as VP of Sports activities Betting is a strategic transfer to make sure the corporate’s future success in a restructured market.