Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned betting company and monopoly, is limiting the time that Finnish players can spend on slot machines in shops. Beginning September 1, Finns won’t be able to play on the machines between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.
The rule applies only to slot machines in shops and not in casinos.
In addition, players won’t be able to see the games or play them until they identify themselves. This rule also went into effect September 1. It applies to slots in shops, gas stations, kiosks and restaurants.
Veikkaus Vice President of Sustainability Susanna Saikkonen commented, “Veikkaus wants to offer the opportunity to go to the store without being able to play on the slot machines.
“Veikkaus also offers customers the opportunity to completely prevent their own playing on slot machines. The locks can be switched on, for example, via Veikkaus’ web service or our customer service.”
This is just the latest in a series of restrictions the state monopoly has introduced—all with the goal of fighting problem gambling by making it harder to physically locate a slot machine and easy to avoid one.
