Responsible gaming

Gaming Permit and the Casino

Finland’s Slot Machine Association (RAY) has been granted an exclusive gaming permit in Finland. This is to ensure the legal protection of those taking part in gaming, to prevent malpractices and crime, and to minimise the negative social consequences of gaming. Casino Helsinki is part of RAY, whose profits are distributed to support health and welfare work in Finland.

The Casino has implemented RAY’s responsibility programme for gaming operations and the responsibilities imposed on casino operations through legislation.

Demands for responsible gaming are emphasised in Casino Helsinki, since this is the only establishment in Finland where gambling is legally available. Gambling here refers to a game where the result is wholly or partially determined by chance, and where possible winnings or losses may be disproportionate to the player’s financial means.

General Principles of Casino Operations Concerning Players:

• To provide high quality gaming and entertainment services
• To carry out Casino operations safely and fairly
• To guarantee the security of customer information
• To direct marketing only at adults
• To effectively prevent illegal activities
• The Casino does not encourage taking excessive risks
• To minimize the risks and negative effects of problem gaming

Problem Gaming

For most of us, gaming provides an enjoyable pastime, but for some it can become a disruptive force. People have different incomes at their disposal and therefore can afford to gamble different amounts. This means that problem gaming cannot be measured in monetary terms, although it almost always has financial consequences.

Problem gaming means excessive gaming that can have a negative effect on a person’s whole life, including health, finances and personal relationships.

Managing and controlling gaming behaviour is essentially at the player’s own discretion, but the Casino staff will advise and give further information on all gaming and gaming management related questions. 


Managing Gaming Behaviour and Preventing Problem Gaming

• The Casino provides material on problem gaming, how to control gaming, and help available for those affected by gaming problems. The material is available in both Finnish and English. Information on these issues is also available from Casino staff, especially the Duty Manager.



• The PELUURI Gambling Helpline is a nationwide toll free telephone service which provides help for those affected by problem gaming. Information about its services is available at the Casino. Casino customers requesting a gaming ban can ask to be contacted by PELUURI. The aim of this service is to guarantee accelerated help to those affected by a gaming problem. The Casino customer is contacted within three working days at the time he or she has specified.



• www.pelaamaltilla.fi (in Finnish only) (’play moderately’) is a website administered by RAY. The site offers tools and support to help players control their gaming. It features prominently on the Casino’s display screens, and written material on the site is also available at the Casino.



• The Casino offers gaming brochures in Finnish and English, and the staff provides help and information to visitors on the various casino games.



• The book Kasinopelit (’Casino Games’) is available at the Casino’s gift shop. The book outlines the most popular casino games, their rules, procedures, payout percentages and optimal gaming strategies.



• Players cannot participate in games on credit or against security. Credit cards are not accepted as payment methods for gaming-related purchases. Money lending between Casino customers is monitored and actively prohibited.

Section 15 of the Lotteries Act covers the responsibilities and rights of the Casino related especially to preventing and restricting gaming.

• Registration is a requirement for entry to the Casino. The age limit is 18, and according to the Lotteries Act, the Casino will deny entry to any persons under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating or narcotic substances.



• Customers can request the Casino to impose an entry ban or limit on their visits. The entry ban or restriction is a written agreement with a duration of 3–12 months in accordance with the Lotteries Act.



• Based on the Lotteries Act, the Casino is entitled to prohibit or restrict a customer’s playing if their gaming has had or will foreseeably have an adverse social impact on the person’s finances or health. According to the Lotteries Act, these prohibitions or restrictions remain in force for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months. Where needed, prohibitions or restrictions can be renewed immediately following the conclusion of the previous prohibition or restriction.



• In the event that a customer wishes to remain a Casino customer following the end of his or her gaming prohibition or restriction, the Duty Manager engages in a return discussion with the customer. These discussions are aimed at deciding on possible future measures to control the customer’s gaming behaviour.



• Customers can opt to block all mail from the Casino. During gaming prohibitions or restrictions, customers are automatically removed from the Casino’s mailing list.