Finnish monopoly operator Veikkaus is to resume slot machine and gaming hall operations in the Satakunta region of the country from tomorrow (16 January), but halt all activities in Åland, in line with the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions.
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.
However, after Åland was upgraded to the ‘accelerating or spreading’ phase of Covid-19 restrictions, Veikkaus will halt all gambling activities from tomorrow.
The operator will switch off all slot machines and close gaming venues across the region until further notice.
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.
