Veikkaus, the Finnish gambling operator, has announced that from January 1, 2024, players purchasing the popular Ässä or Casino lottery scratchcards will be required to provide identification. This new measure follows the mandatory identification checks introduced for coupon games earlier in 2023, such as Lotto and Eurojackpot. This is part of Veikkaus’ efforts to reduce gambling harm and promote a safer gaming environment.
Ville Venojärvi, the director of Veikkaus lottery games, stated that identification for scratch cards is a familiar operating method to their customers, as it has already been in place for coupon games. This move will allow the operator to have lottery winnings paid directly to the customer’s online or bank account, a practice that has been in place for coupon games.
Additionally, the new measure will offer additional win opportunities to players with losing scratchcards. All lotteries with no winnings can be submitted for additional draws, with a daily prize pool of EUR 5,000. Venojärvi explained that this new additional draw offers excitement to scratch card players more often than before, responding to customers’ wishes with the reform.
In line with Veikkaus’ commitment to reducing gambling harm, the identification will also facilitate the inclusion of scratchcards in the scope of gaming management tools to combat problem gambling and prevent risky gambling behaviors. Venojärvi emphasized that playing both digital and physical channels, including scratch cards, now requires identification. This will help prevent gaming disadvantages, strengthen age limit monitoring, and build a safer gaming environment for everyone.
The transition process for these changes will be running until the end of 2024. Despite these new identification measures, Veikkaus has assured that lottery tickets will continue to be sold as usual by the end of 2023, and lottery winnings made in 2023 can still be claimed in 2024. Players using the Veikkaus app may also use it as a mobile version for identification purposes.
Overall, Veikkaus’ introduction of mandatory identification measures for scratch games represents a significant step in promoting responsible gambling and ensuring a safer gaming environment for all players.