SOURCE: Helsingin Sanomat

Finland's national betting and gambling agencies the Slot Machine Association (RAY) and Veikkaus Oy, both owned by the state, are ready to set up the possibility for Internet poker if the government and Parliament so desire.

The Minister of Culture and Sport Stefan Wallin (Swedish People’s Party) proposed on Tuesday that Finland should consider a State-run Net poker facility, since online gambling cannot be prohibited.

"With the increase of online gambling, the number of problem players will just grow, while most of the profits flow to firms based in tax havens. A better solution would be to allow one of our national lawful operators, Veikkaus or RAY, to take the responsibility for Net poker", Wallin wrote in justifying his suggestion on his blog.

At present, RAY has exclusive rights to slot machine and casino activities in Finland.

"RAY, just like the government, has set the maintaining of this exclusive right in Finland as an important goal. Our estimate is that in the present unregulated and fast-moving environment the start of Internet casino activities would mean a threat of a certain degree to RAY’s monopoly", RAY communications director Matti Hokkanen commented to Helsingin Sanomat.

Hokkanen emphasised that RAY has the technical capacity to facilitate online poker.

"Launching the operation would not be without complications, however, as it would undoubtedly add to some individuals’ gambling problems", Hokkanen added.

Restrictions for a Finnish organiser could not be significantly tighter compared with the overseas operators. Otherwise players would simply choose a foreign gaming site.

According to Veikkaus Oy communications director Ilkka Juva, Veikkaus also has the technical expertise to set up online poker.

"It is not an impossible idea at all, should the government and the gaming licence holders so agree. We have plenty of technical and business experience in such matters", Juva estimated.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health promptly dismissed Wallin’s suggestion on Tuesday.

"Domestic games would simply make everything even easier for gaming addicts", government councillor Kari Paaso stressed when talking to the news agency STT. "We will calmly follow the situation", he added.