Finnish state-owned operator Veikkaus opened its second casino in the country today (15 December), as it faces questions about its future as Finland’s gambling monopoly.
Named Casino Tampere, the new casino offers classic table games and slot machines. It also has an electronic table game area with live and automatic roulette.
In line with Finland’s safer gambling measures, Casino Tampere will have to abide by the same standards as Casino Helsinki, Finland’s first casino.
“Casino Helsinki and Casino Tampere are pioneers in the European casino world in building a responsible gaming environment,” Veikkaus said.
In September Veikkaus added set loss limits to its Casino Helsinki slot machines, after it was first compelled to introduce the measure for online players following a decree from the Finnish Ministry of the Interior in April 2020.
The Casino Tampere opening comes soon after a legislative committee slammed Veikkaus’ status as a monopoly operator.
Earlier this month Finland’s Administration Committee proposed an inquiry into Veikkaus’ status as a monopoly in the country.
The Administration Committee argued that Veikkaus’ monopoly is “practically broken” and that an inquiry should be carried out on the matter “without delay”.
The suggestion came as one of a number of proposed amendments to Finland’s Lottery Act, a bill filed in September that suggested blocking payments from operators that are not Veikkaus.
This was condemned as unconstitutional by Finland’s Constitutional Committee, which argued that this amendment would breach article 15 and article 18 of the Constitution of Finland.
Article 15 addresses property protection, while article 18 outlines the freedom to carry out business.
In October, Veikkaus announced that it would make between 125 and 190 layoffs, but said that many of those laid off might be able to be rehired at Casino Tampere.
