News
17.03.09 - Year of growth for Grand Casino Helsinki
In 2008 both the number of visitors to Grand Casino Helsinki and our profit from gaming grew compared to previous years. The number of visits increased by 1.5%, totalling 326,000 visits, while the yield on gaming was €35.4 million, with an increase of ca. 5%. Meanwhile, customers won nearly €100 million from slot machines alone.
The four-year-old Grand Casino registered an average of 900 visits per day. Most visitors fall into the age group of 25–34 year-olds. In this group, the increase in number of visits was also highest. The large proportion of international visitors, one fifth of all, betokens Grand Casino’s strong appeal as a tourist attraction. Largest nationalities were Thai, Chinese, Estonian and Vietnamese.
Around 80% of all Finnish visitors were based in the capital area. In 2008, the average customer visited Grand Casino four times, while one third of all customers visited two times or more.
- We are assured that our business will keep growing, and we have budgeted a four per cent growth in gaming profit for this year, says Casino Director Hannu Jokipaltio, confidently. Jokipaltio does not believe that the oscillating economy will have an effect on casino operations.
Profits and pastime
In addition to the record high profits and number of visits, the customer winnings saw steady growth as well. Last year Grand Casino paid out nearly €100 million in winnings. Around €27 million, three fourths of the casino’s €35.4 million gaming profit comes from slot machines. In December 2008 alone slot machines were played with well over €10 million, which is a monthly record, says Hannu Jokipaltio.
- Nevertheless, slot machine profits from that period were the lowest in the casino’s history. It is easy to deduce that the customers were winning more than normally. This also illustrates the fact that casino business is full of surprises.
Poker nights and tournaments have played a significant role in making the growth. The popularity of Poker in its various forms has boomed due to visibility in media, and in 2008 the yield on Poker gaming increased by 27% compared to 2007.
Show & Dinner nights in Fennia Salonki help to create an international ambience in Grand Casino while underpinning our status as an entertainment centre. Last year a total of 15,000 customers enjoyed the show. Business tournaments and events were constantly popular.
More space and personnel
This year, Grand Casino will expand one floor up, into the 400 square meters of space previously occupied by Bio City. Design of the new casino floor will be carried out by American architect Paul Steelman, who is specialized in casino interiors. Steelman has designed the current interior of Grand Casino Helsinki as well. The new floor is due to open in 2010.
Our wide selection of games includes 300 slot machines and ca. 30 tables. Grand Casino currently employs 210 people, most of whom are dealers.
- We will do our share in fighting the recession with a massive building contract. We are also recruiting more staff already in 2009, including more dealers. As the new floor is opened next year, we will further step up on the recruiting process, says Hannu Jokipaltio.
Grand Casino Helsinki is part of RAY (Finland’s Slot Machine Association), and all profits are used to support Finnish health and welfare organizations. Responsible gaming is endorsed through limitations in visits and gaming amounts, both of which the customers can apply for themselves. Nearly 600 customers are currently under such limitation of a maximum one year, agreed upon with Grand Casino.
