Veikkaus Temporary Closes Down Slot Machines in Finland

Veikkaus, the Finnish government-owned betting company, announced that in some areas, where coronavirus spreads the most, it would close the slot machines (located in supermarkets, kiosks, gas stations and restaurants) and gaming arcades.

The closing process began on Thursday, and should be finished no later than Saturday. The partial suspension is due to continue until mid-December. The company can maintain its online gaming service as planned.

The decision came after the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health released new protection recommendations:

“The use of different measures, targeted regionally and locally, yet comprehensively and in such a way that the measures support each other, provide the regions with the best Prerequisites for fighting the spreading of the epidemic as a whole.” 

Jari Heino, SVP, Veikkaus channels and sales, said:

“No-one knows yet what the situation will look like in three weeks. We are sure that all efforts are made in society to suppress the second wave of this disease.”

He added that the company would listen to the experts and evaluate the condition appropriately.

The list of country's areas to close Veikkaus is: Southern Ostrobothnia, Helsinki and Uusimaa, Kanta-Häme, Kymenlaakso, West North Pirkanmaa, North Karelia, Northern Ostrobothnia, Päijät-Häme, Satakunta, Vaasa, Southwest Finland.

Veikkaus previously briefly discontinued the gaming service from March to July, also in an effort to curtail the COVID-19 outbreak. The company allegedly lost €10m ($11.9m) every week over the time.