Right on schedule, Veikkaus launches its long awaited new ID verification controls for gambling machines across Finland in bid to mitigate problem gambling

Finnish national gambling monopoly operator, Veikkaus, has launched ID verification controls for gambling machines in third-party locations. The initiative kicked off Tuesday, 12 January 2021. This formed part of Veikkaus’ new problem gambling responsibility program. 

Following these new measures, identification will have to be provided by anyone interested in partaking in gambling activities on slot machines at non-casino venues. This includes stores, restaurants and kiosks. The ID can be verified from a mobile app, Veikkaus player card, or a payment card connected to the Veikkaus customer database; and the new changes are expected to into full effect with all Veikkaus slot machines soon. 

The operator explained that “significant financial consequences’ are forecasted as estimates that losses incurred by players will drop by £300million ($364.5million).” 

Jari Heino, Sales Director for Veikkaus, spoke about the identification checks explaining that:

through this measure, we want to offer preventive tools to those who are at risk of difficulties.

An expected positive game-changer is that the new rule will enable punters to be conscious of the amount of money spent on gambling, and also help cut down underaged gambling by setting the minimum age requirement for gambling at 18 years of age.

In recent news, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) had made an inquest for Finland to  fix its gambling policy.

Moreover, more countries are enforcing tighter restrictions in vid to mitigate the spread of COVID0-19. Finland was no exception as Veikkausentered restrictions across a number of regions in November which ended 15 December.

Veikkaus experienced a 28.1% year-on-year drop in gross revenue during the first six months of 2020. Its profit fell 33.6% to £332.7million ($404.4million) during this period mainly because of the pandemic. Finland is the only European Union member that still has a gambling monopoly.

However, many of the operator’s slots machines will be unavailable after the change has been affected because of the restrictions set by the government over the COVID-19 pandemic.

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