Veikkaus has been working systematically for many years to build a safer gaming environment. Customers have access to a wide range of tools to monitor and manage their own play.

The next step is to make Veikkaus’ overall approach to responsible gaming even more individualized.

Veikkaus will gradually introduce a new safety net model as part of its broader preparations for changes in the gambling market. 

Our aim is to identify harmful gambling better than before by using real-time data and to provide customers with preventive care communications. Our customers may encounter informative, awareness-raising messages while using our services. In addition, we make thousands of care calls every year, says Susanna Saikkonen, VP Sustainability. 

As part of the phased development of the safety net model, on 9 June we will introduce loss checkpoints designed to ensure that the customer is aware of their gambling behaviour. The care discussions held at these checkpoints support a better understanding of gambling behaviour and help identify any potential gambling-related harms and financial impacts.

At the same time, we are making changes to the annual loss limit of EUR 24,000 that has applied to all customers.

Lower loss limits will be set for young customers because their financial and life situations are often still developing, and the risks associated with gambling may be higher.

Lower limits are a preventive measure through which Veikkaus wants to support safe and controlled gambling and help young people to monitor their own play and pause in time when necessary, Saikkonen says.

Age-group-specific loss limits are part of Veikkaus’ care model and its overall approach to responsible gaming. 

In future, Veikkaus customers will be notified when their losses are about to reach a checkpoint. If the customer wishes to continue playing, they will be directed to discuss their situation with a Veikkaus care team specialist.

In the discussion, the customer’s situation is assessed in accordance with a predefined operating model. If a decision is made to continue playing, a new loss checkpoint can be agreed together with the customer, Saikkonen explains. 

For customers aged 18–19, the first loss checkpoint is EUR 4,000, and the annual maximum loss is EUR 8,000. For customers aged 20–24, the first loss checkpoint is at EUR 8,000. The annual maximum loss is EUR 24,000. For customers aged 25 and over, the first loss checkpoint is at EUR 24,000. 

The checkpoints and annual loss limits define how much customers can lose at most in Veikkaus games during a single calendar year. The checkpoints and annual loss limits do not apply to the slot machines and table games at Casino Helsinki. The Casino has its own tools for gambling control. 

As the gambling market changes, Veikkaus is proactively developing its responsible gambling solutions. The new care model strengthens our readiness for the future and supports our goal of being a frontrunner in responsibility also in the new market.