Scandinavian Countries Shift Towards Account-Based Play
Finland, Denmark and Norway are making reforms in their gaming sectors to increase the standard of player security, and a transition to account-based play is the common trend between all three.
Pilot Age Audit Project Started In Finland
Earlier this week, Finland's state-owned operator Veikkaus revealed that it will introduce an account-based play trial for its slot machines, in addition to the already planned compulsory age verification tests across all its Feel Vegas slot machine sites and Pelaamo gaming arcades, beginning in January 2021.
The pilot project that will launch this month will implement authentication tests at about 100 slot machine locations around the country, and players will need to use their Veikkaus passport, an authorised smartphone app, or a veikkaus customer database-connected bank card for identification.
Sikkert Spil ID Cards Available In Denmark
Danske Spil, a Denmark-based entertainment service provider, became the second Scandinavian gaming operator to launch account-based play when it started carrying out branded player id cards that would have to be sold in the operator's retail outlets where tipps or oddsets sports betting items are available.
The Sikkert Spil (meaning "safe play" in Danish) ID card will be a authentication tool, either as a card or in an app, available at kiosks, supermarkets, gas stations and other premises, and will become compulsory at all Danske Spil retail outlets effective October 31.
Implementation of the safe play card aims to meet many goals, with the main aim being to ensure a gaming safely. Eliminating online betting would remove regulatory worries over illegal games, which would offer a greater degree of accountability and incentive for match-fixing claims to trace the cash trail. Additionally, the opportunity to examine trends in gambling activity will enable the early stages of detecting gambling addiction.
Account Based Play Regulations Proposed In Norway
Meanwhile in Norway, in response to a request from the Minister of Culture, the gaming regulatory body lotteritilsynet proposed the industry should turn to account-based play in all goods. In June the ministry launched gambling law consultations to merge the Lottery Act, Gambling Act, and Totalisator Act into one legislative structure.
Lotteritilsynet replied that the planned amendments would increase the level of player security in the market, and demanded the inclusion of a legal clause that would allow gambling only for players who have registered an account with a legal provider. With respect to operators Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, the regulator noted that they should have access to a user's gambling operation so that they can have protection for customers.
The regulatory body proposed adding another clause that would prohibit direct competition by state-owned companies, finding out that direct competition would subject clients to risks. Norsk Tipping's online casino was launched with tight security restrictions, the regulator noted, and Lotteritilsynet relied on Norsk Tipping becoming the sole supplier of those games.
