Veikkaus to resume gambling activities in Satakunta

Veikkaus had temporarily halted activities in Satakunta after the region saw an increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases.

Current Finnish government orders prevent gambling facilities from opening or slot machines from operating in regions where Covid-19 cases are accelerating or spreading.

However, as Satakunta saw a decline in positive Covid-19 cases, the region was downgraded to ‘basic’ Covid-19 measures, meaning Veikkaus can resume slot machine activity.

The operator said that it will open its slot machines in kiosks, shops and traffic stations from early tomorrow morning, as well as reopen its gaming halls.

Meanwhile, the government has upgraded Åland to the ‘accelerating or spreading’ phase of Covid-19 restrictions, meaning certain new rules will not come into place.

Earlier this week, Veikkaus closed its slot machines in the region of Kainuu in response to local authorities upgrading the area’s Covid-19 alert status.

Consumers playing on Veikkaus’s slot machines are now required to prove their identity before being allowed to gamble, in accordance with new mandatory ID laws that entered into force this month.

Compulsory identification is one of a number of consumer protection measures brought in, which Veikkaus said would cut player losses by up to €300m.