Veikkaus to expand account-based slots pilot

The operator introduced the account-based system in a pilot programme for around 100 machines last month, meaning players must use either Veikkaus player’s card, an approved mobile application or a bank card that is connected to the operator’s customer database to play.

The measure is then set to be implemented nationwide on 31 January, 2021 if the pilot is a success.

Lauri Halkola , Veikkaus’ director of analytics and customer management, said a larger sample of machines will help the operator understand the effects of the ID measures.

“By expanding the pilot, we aim for a broader understanding of the customer experience in the transition to mandatory identification,” Halkola said. 

“At the same time, we will test the functionality of our technical solutions with different types of automation and map out the necessary development measures.”

The ID measure is one of many steps Veikkaus is set to take to ramp up its player protection. The operator will also take 8,000 slot machines –  more than double the amount it had previously said it would withdraw – offline before the end of 2020.

The business said that its profit in 2020 could decline by as much as €300m, from a combination of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disruption and tighter social responsibility measures, but that it would continue to press ahead with these measures.