Finland’s state-owned gambling operator Veikkaus has announced that from January 1st, 2024, all scratch card games will require ID verification.
According to a statement released today, the company announced that both in-person and online purchases of scratch cards will require that the customer has had their identity verified through a personal Veikkaus account. The ID requirement also applies to those claiming winnings from scratch card and lottery games.
The latest move is the final step in the company’s plan to introduce customer verification for all of its games. From May of 2023, identification has been required for all purchases of Lotto and Eurojackpot games. In-person purchases require a physical Veikkaus card, a driving license, personal ID, Kela card or a virtual card accessed through the Veikkaus mobile app.
The statement notes that scratch card games will be available without identification until the final day of 2023. Winnings from any cards purchased during 2023 can be claimed without the ID verification requirement up until the end of 2024.
Speaking of the new requirement, Ville Venojärvi , director of Veikkaus lottery games said:
“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.”
He went on to add that the new requirement would allow the company to help limit the negative impacts of problem gambling while preventing minors from having access to gambling products:
“Veikkaus is one of the first game companies in the world where playing both 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.”
Gambling industry journalist with a background in online poker and trading. Covering the regulated U.S Sports industry and the exciting world of online poker.