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Kuopio Grants Finland's First Permit for Electronic Gambling Device on Restaurant Terrace

Kuopio city has issued the first ever trial permit in Finland allowing the placement of an electronic gambling device on a restaurant terrace. The permit, valid for two years, was granted to Taidaravintola Otso, permitting the operation of the gaming device on its terrace starting in spring 2024. This development is a direct result of changes in Finnish gambling legislation that came into effect on April 1, 2019, which allow electronic slot machines to be placed outside traditional casino premises with approval from the local municipality. The Taidaravintola Otso terrace will operate under strict compliance with national gambling regulations, including measures to prevent underage gambling and to promote responsible gaming. This move positions Kuopio as a pioneer in applying the updated law and could influence similar permissions in other Finnish municipalities if the trial proves successful.