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The Finnish gambling question: Is the poor fund the rich?
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For many years, Finland’s state gambling monopoly in the form of Veikkaus has been hailed as a model system. Veikkaus operates slot machines, lotteries and betting on horse races, attracting a vast majority of Finland’s population. The gambling proceeds fund organisations in culture, sports, research, youth work, social welfare and health.
In other words, it looks like a win-win situation for all. People can legally gamble, and their losses fund common good causes.
However, things are not rosy they appear. Recently emerged empirical data reveal one particularly serious flaw: problem gamblers – usually economically backward people comprising pensioners, the unemployed and the jobless who mainly use in slot machines – contribute to more than 23 per cent of gambling proceeds. According to a study done by Finland’s National Institute of Health and Welfare (THL), 80 per cent of the Finns gamble. Among them, just 3.3 per cent can be termed as problem gamblers, and they contribute more than one-fifth of the gambling revenue.
Annika Saarikko, Finland’s Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services, has noted that up to 700,000 people in Finland are negatively affected by problem gambling when family members are included.
Jani Selin, an expert on Finnish gambling policy and a researcher at THL, says that the underprivileged are also “overrepresented” among problem gamblers.
“We know this from loads of international studies that people who come from lower socio-economic circumstances tend to gamble more,” Selin said. “It’s an almost universally accepted claim. It is the same in Finland. We have known this for a long time.”
Profit-seeking vs addiction interventions
It has been reported that slot machines – which are usually the biggest problem game for the poor – are more highly concentrated in neighbourhoods with people with lower income, education, and employment levels. In the article, a Veikkaus representative claimed that the placement of machines simply follows “client flows.”
European Union regulations only allow state monopolies that reduce and prevent gambling-related harms. Accordingly, Veikkaus’ executive vice president Velipekka Nummikoski told Yle that the company has a responsibility strategy which affects where it places machines. “Business factors are just one aspect which we base the location of our slot machines on,” he said. “They are by no means the only one.”
Rather than limiting the availability of slot machines as recommended by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Nummikoski explained that Veikkaus’ position is that authentication – where users verify their identities before they can play – (scheduled for 2023) would be the best way to deal with problem gambling. Restricting slot machines to gaming arcades would also mean taking them out of the reach of hundreds of Finnish communities, and Veikkaus says it wants games “to be available to as many Finns as possible in an equal manner.”
THL’s Selin disputes Veikkaus’ claims that profit isn’t driving decisions behind where to place slot machines. “They are only thinking about the revenue – the business side—when they place the slots in the neighborhoods,” Selin said. He and his colleagues think that other factors must be taken into consideration. “It makes no sense to put all the slot machines, for instance, in the neighborhoods where there are lots of socio-economic problems already.”
Neighbording Sweden is one of the only countries which has tried to calculate what economist Earl Grinols calls the “hidden” costs of gambling. In 2009, Svenska Spel, the state-owned gambling company in Sweden, produced a report for the European Commission which looked at a range of issues: the cost of depression, the loss of output through unemployment, the cost of treating problem gamblers, the cost of crime, and cost of state efforts to combat it.
The report says that at least 230–450 million euros (2018 exchange rate) is lost every year, mostly from reduced economic productivity. Because of a number of costs it did not or could not calculate, the report says the number is likely higher.
Svenska Spel’s operating profit was 495 million euros in 2009. This means that gambling proceeds handed over to the government nearly matched the social and economic cost of problem gambling, perhaps even more. While Svenska Spel does not control as much of Sweden’s market (in 2009, about 50 per cent) as Veikkaus does in Finland (today, about 90 per cent), the results are still striking. If all of the hidden costs of gambling were calculated in Finland, where problem gambling is even more of a problem, it is possible the economic loss could be even bigger.
Sources: Yle News / Joel Gillin
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ASUS ROG BECOMES THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF TEAM VITALITY
Leading French club Team Vitality and ASUS Republic Of Gamers (ROG), an iconic global brand in the gaming technology industry, are pleased to announce their partnership until the end of 2026. The partnership includes the use of ROG’s industry-leading peripherals including keyboards, mice, mice mats & headsets for Team Vitality’s elite Counter-Strike 2 and VALORANT rosters.
United by a shared ambition, the two entities aspire to reach the top of the podiums at the biggest international esports competitions, with ROG’s products providing advanced technology and unparalleled quality for the club’s FPS teams.
TEAM VITALITY ROSTERS POWERED BY PERIPHERALS LEADER
Team Vitality is delighted to welcome ROG as an official partner. During competitions, ROG logo will be included on the left sleeve of the official jerseys of the CS2 and VALORANT teams.
ROG, recognized as an essential reference in the world of esports, offers equipment that combines durability, performance, ergonomics, and precision – essential qualities to excel at the highest level. The brand has already supported prestigious esports teams.
Official Team Vitality player gear includes:
- The ROG Delta II headset, guaranteeing clear and flawless communication.
- ROG Keris II Ace mouse, offering unrivaled precision and comfort with a pro-approved shape and leading technology.
- ROG Hone Ace XXL mouse pad, providing players with a wide surface for movement consistency and control.
- The ROG Falchion ACE HFX keyboard, incorporating Rapid Trigger technology, specially designed for gamers.
These products will allow gamers to achieve optimal performance: ultra-responsive keyboards, high-precision mice adapted to different gaming strategies, and headsets ensuring impeccable communication.
Aiming to establish new standards for players and fans worldwide, the collaboration will series of exciting activations that will be carried out throughout the year during key international events, bringing together esports enthusiasts, Team Vitality supporters, and the broader gaming community
Over the course of the year, the club will integrate ROG into its communications, particularly on its X accounts dedicated to Counter-Strike and VALORANT, as well as across its other social media platforms
“We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious brand as ROG to Team Vitality! This partnership mirrors our standards and ambitions: to equip our players and our staff with cutting-edge peripherals, offering precision, responsiveness, and comfort, whilst also supporting our international development strategy. 2025 is going to be an exciting year for VALORANT and CS2, and this partnership will guarantee unmissable activations for all our fans.” explains Nicolas Maurer, CEO of Team Vitality.
“We are proud to collaborate with Team Vitality, an organization that shares our values of excellence and innovation. This partnership offers us a unique opportunity to be closer to professional players, enabling us to further understand their needs and refine our products to meet the highest expectations. Together, we want to inspire the gaming community and help elevate esports to greater heights,” stated Kris Huang, General Manager of the ROG Gaming Gear and Accessory Business Unit.
AIMING FOR NEW HEIGHTS IN THE ESPORTS SCENE
Following a successful 2024, Team Vitality aspires to reach even greater heights in 2025. The partnership with ROG unlocks a range of opportunities to enhance the club’s global visibility and further its ambitious goals on the world stage.
This year’s international esports calendar features unmissable events for fans, including the two CS2 Majors and the VALORANT Champions, which will be held in Paris next September. With star-studded roasters boasting talents such as Derke, Sayf, zywOo, and apEX, Team Vitality is ready to shine and offer ROG unprecedented visibility among its global community of 13 million fans.
By joining forces, Team Vitality and ROG are sending a strong message: esports is a dynamic, innovative, and increasingly attractive sector for brands. This strategic partnership will engage millions of fans worldwide while creating unique opportunities for impactful activations, engaging content, and memorable experiences.
The post ASUS ROG BECOMES THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF TEAM VITALITY appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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High Roller Technologies Welcomes Kristofer Muscat as Chief Operating Officer
High Roller Technologies, Inc. (“High Roller” and the “Company”) (NYSE American: ROLR), operator of www.HighRoller.com and www.Fruta.com, each a premium brand in online gaming and a destination for high rollers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristofer Muscat as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 5th, 2025. In this role, Mr. Muscat will oversee operational strategy, drive growth initiatives, and enhance High Roller’s commitment to delivering premium experiences in the online gambling and iCasino gaming industry.
“Kristofer’s operational expertise in the gambling industry and his proven track record of driving growth through innovation will be instrumental as we continue development of our technologies focused on machine learning to automate key functionality to enhance the player experience and reduce operational overhead,” said Ben Clemes, CEO of High Roller Technologies. “His leadership will play a vital role in optimizing our operations and enhancing our mission to provide engaging, seamless, and world-class experiences for our users.”
Mr. Muscat brings a wealth of industry experience to High Roller. As the former Chief Operating Officer of Eastrock Group, he was pivotal in streamlining operations across offices in Sweden, Malta, and Hong Kong. He successfully enhanced efficiency, built customer-centric cultures, and supported Eastrock’s expansion in the competitive iGaming sector. His leadership at Eastrock reinforced his reputation as a forward-thinking executive with a deep understanding of operational excellence in the gambling industry. Prior to Eastrock, Mr. Muscat held a management position at Bally’s.
“I am so excited to be joining High Roller at such a pivotal time in the company’s evolution. The team’s vision for innovation and their unwavering focus on creating exceptional experiences for players perfectly align with my values and expertise. I am eager to leverage my background in operations and strategy to help drive growth, strengthen High Roller’s position as an industry leader, and elevate the brand’s appeal to high-stakes players around the globe.” commented Kristofer Muscat, new COO of High Roller Technologies.
The post High Roller Technologies Welcomes Kristofer Muscat as Chief Operating Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Robin ‘ropz’ Kool joins Team Vitality’s CS2 roster
Team Vitality is thrilled to announce the signing of global esports star and former FaZe Clan player Robin ‘ropz’ Kool to their CS2 roster.
Ropz is one of the most decorated Counter-Strike players on the circuit, having secured numerous victories, a plethora of MVP honours, and building a strong reputation for precision, consistency, and success. His experience, coupled with his superb understanding of CS2, will bolster Team Vitality in the club’s hunt for success in 2025.
- Robin ‘ropz’ Kool, the 25-year-old Estonian, has officially joined Team Vitality’s CS2 roster.
- With Ropz’s addition to the team, the rosters current rifler Lotan ‘Spinx’ Giladi will be moved to the inactive roster.
- The move further positions the French club as one of the most formidable teams in the space, following on from the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne win in 2024, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to success in CS2.
- Ropz is widely regarded as one of the most skilled CS2 players worldwide, with a career highlighted by numerous tournament wins, MVP accolades, and a legacy of consistent and high-level performance. Known for his tactical expertise, adaptability and sharpshooting, he brings a wealth of experience to Team Vitality.
- The French club’s roster now boasts an elite combination of in-game expertise, strategic minds, and sheer firepower, positioning them as one of the most forbidding rosters globally. The roster now consists of Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire, Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut, Shahar ‘flameZ’ Shushan, William ‘mezii’ Merriman, and Robin ‘ropz’ Kool. The team will be coached by Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam and assistant coach Mathieu “MaT” Leber, and led by new Team Manager, Amy May ‘Aphiren’ Snowdon.
- The roster will first be seen in action during the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier later in January.
“Signing ropz is the culmination of several years of discussions and mutual respect. We have followed his journey with great admiration, and this year, the stars aligned for him to join us. We understand that he’s leaving more than just a team behind – he’s leaving a family. We’re determined to show him that he made the right choice. He fits perfectly into our vision, with the ambition to make history and build a legacy for the club on CS,” explains Fabien “Neo” Devide, President of Team Vitality. “His experience, versatility, and game intelligence are invaluable assets. He is a player with a heart of gold, one of the most inspiring figures in the history of Counter-Strike, and someone who truly embodies the values we stand for. With him, we are solidifying our place among the global elite of CS, and this is an incredible opportunity for Team Vitality.”
The post Robin ‘ropz’ Kool joins Team Vitality’s CS2 roster appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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