Operator News
Finland – Slot ID verification will see Veikkaus reduce slot numbers
By Phil - 19 August 2019
Veikkaus, the state-owned Finnish operator, is planning t slash its number of slot machines across the country is set to limit the number of slot machines it operates around the country.
The reduction is being spurred by the compulsory introduction of identification verification technology onto slots which Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski believes will cause a fall in interest in slot play.
“Gambling will decrease and there won’t be the same need for slot machines,” Mr. Sarekoski said.
Veikkaus has been criticised for locating slots in supermarkets and service stations with 25,000 Finns supporting a citizens’ initiative to remove all slots from kiosks, shops, restaurants and service stations.
As a direct result of this criticism, Veikkaus’ Board of Directors has taken steps to improve its corporate responsibility by forming an Ethics Board with executive management to prepare a proposal for the next Board meeting.
The Board of Directors made a decision in principle to add a liability indicator to monitor the development of gaming hazards in Veikkaus’ reward system. The change concerns management already this year.
Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Chairman of Veikkaus’ Board of Directors, said: “Responsibility principles are essential in all Veikkaus’ operations. The company has continuously taken measures to implement its responsibility and the Board has regularly evaluated the occurrence of gaming disruptions.”
