Finland's Veikkaus to Mandate ID Verification for All Scratch Card Games

Finland's state-owned gambling operator, Veikkaus, has announced a new policy set to take effect from January 1st, 2024, which will require identity verification for all scratch card games. The company's statement indicates that both in-person and online purchases of scratch cards will necessitate customer identity verification through a personal Veikkaus account. Additionally, this verification requirement extends to individuals claiming winnings from scratch card and lottery games.

This decision represents the final stage of Veikkaus' initiative to introduce customer verification for all its games. Since May 2023, identification has been obligatory for the purchase of Lotto and Eurojackpot games. In-person purchases mandate the use of a physical Veikkaus card, a driver's license, personal ID, Kela card, or a virtual card accessed through the Veikkaus mobile app.

The statement underscores that scratch card games will remain accessible without identification until the end of 2023. Furthermore, any winnings from cards purchased during 2023 can be claimed without the ID verification requirement up to the end of 2024.

Ville Venojärvi, Director of Veikkaus lottery games, commented on the new requirement, stating, "The conditions for identification of scratch cards are good because we have a very large customer base with the identification of coupon games. Identification is already a familiar operating method to our customers."

Venojärvi emphasized that this new requirement will enable the company to reduce the negative impacts of problem gambling and prevent minors from accessing gambling products. He said, "Veikkaus is one of the first game companies in the world where playing, both in digital and physical channels, including scratch cards, requires identification. With the help of identification, we prevent gaming disadvantages, strengthen age limit monitoring, and build a safer gaming environment for everyone."

The move by Veikkaus is part of broader efforts to promote responsible gambling and create a safer gaming environment. By fLEXI tEAM