Finland: Veikkaus announces drastic measures to strengthen player safety

The Veikkaus company, the only legal gambling operator in Finland, announces a major change in its operations by introducing an identification requirement for the purchase and redemption of scratch tickets. This new measure, scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2024, aims to strengthen player safety and coincides with the comprehensive reform of the Finnish gambling sector by 2026. This reform will end Veikkaus’ monopoly and introduce a licensing system for several operators, thus aligning with the regulated models observed in other European countries.

New Rule for scratch tickets: Identification required for purchase and redemption

From next year, players will have to present identification to purchase and cash in scratch tickets, a first in the Finnish gaming sector.

Until now, scratch tickets were the only completely anonymous form of gaming in the country. With this measure, Veikkaus expands the identification rules already applied to lottery games such as Lotto and Eurojackpot since May 2023.

Ville Venojärvi, director of Veikkaus, emphasizes that this initiative strengthens player protection. He says: “We have a large customer base that is accustomed to identification in our other games. Identification is a familiar way of working for our customers. Veikkaus is one of the first gaming companies in the world to require identification for both digital and physical channels, including scratch tickets. This measure aims to prevent gaming-related inconveniences, strengthen control of age limits and promote a safer gaming environment for all.”

Winning 2023 scratch tickets can still be cashed in 2024 without age verification, but this exception will not apply to tickets acquired in 2024.

A new game is emerging: A daily chance to win €1,000

In addition to these new regulations, Veikkaus will introduce a new type of scratch game in 2024, including a draw for players who have not won any prizes. 5 daily draws will offer the chance to win €1,000, adding a dose of excitement for scratch game fans.

Will Belgium follow Finland’s example?

The Belgian National Lottery has been heavily criticized regarding the ease of access for minors to their scratch cards and other games offered at points of sale.

To date, no identification is imposed on players outside their online website and we do not know whether the Belgian National Lottery will follow Finland’s example by requiring the identification of these players at all physical stores.