The supermarket chain Lidl has announced its intention to remove slot machines from all its Finnish stores, and it will become the first nationwide retail chain in Finland.
The machines owned and used by the state gambling agency Veikkaus are scheduled to be removed from stores next summer.
According to the German-owned chain, the decision is based on a desire to set a positive example as a company of responsible choices.
“Responsibility means actions to us, not just speech or slogans," CEO of Lidl Finland Nicholas Pennanen wrote in a press release. "It is an indisputable fact that there are problems with gaming and that the slot machines in shops have a role to play here. It is up to each dealer to decide on the machines themselves and evaluate the possibilities of giving them up, but as a large company we can set an example and lead the way."
Lidl stores have a total of about 250 slot machines nationwide.
The company added that the decision will lead to a loss of revenue for the chain on behalf of Veikkaus, which has raised millions of euros annually.
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