Veikkaus warns customers of pirated Google Play app

Finnish gambling monopoly Veikkaus has issued a warning to players about an app in the Google Play Store that mimics its own mobile app but does not have any links with its services.

Veikkaus did not directly identify the app, but did state that it “externally” looks like its own mobile platform, as it uses the Veikkaus name and company logo.

The monopoly stressed that it has nothing to do with this app, describing the unrelated product as being “misleading” to consumers.

Veikkaus added that it has taken immediate steps to remove the app from the Google Play Store.

At present, Veikkaus is almost entirely focused on its online and mobile services, as its gambling venues and slot machines remain out of action due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Last week, Veikkaus admitted it is yet to make a decision about the reopening of its facilities, with all its arcades having been closed and retail slots offline since 13 March.

This shutdown due to last until 31 March, but was later extended to an indefinite period of closure. Finland has lifted some Covid-19 restrictions, with groups of up to 50 people permitted to meet, while restaurants have reopened and sports competitions have returned.

Veikkaus also halted raffle draws, but these started up again on 1 June after a month of suspension.