IGT seals bingo supply deal with Finland’s Veikkaus

International Game Technology (IGT) has signed an agreement to provide Finnish state-owned gaming operator Veikkaus with its PlayBingo platform.

The four-year deal, which comes with the option for a two-year extension, has been awarded following a procurement process that sees IGT replace the operator’s previously bingo technology provider.

IGT will supply Veikkaus with a range of product variants such as picture and roulette bingo products, as well as branded content and customisable games. Ongoing marketing and product support will also be provided through the agreement.

“Based on our experience in WLA markets in Europe and North America, PlayBingo has proven to be a significant factor in player acquisition and player retention, while driving growth across our customers’ entire suite of digital product offerings,” Declan Harkin, senior vice president and chief operating officer of IGT’s International business unit, said.

“By adding the new PlayBingo platform to its programme, Veikkaus is once again demonstrating its position as one of the most technologically advanced lotteries in the world, and as an operator committed to responsibly entertaining its players.”

The deal extends a relationship that began in 1989. IGT currently provides Veikkaus with its core lottery central system, as well as online casino content via its PlayCasino platform, and land-based games.

It is the latest technology partnership struck by Veikkaus this year, which has seen it select SBTech to provide a new sportsbook solution and agree an online casino supply deal with NetEnt as it looks to grow igaming revenue.

Amid persistent criticism of the operator’s monopoly status persisting, Veikkaus has stepped up its player protection efforts in recent weeks, announcing a series of new controls following the publication of its results for the first half of the year.

While the H1 results revealed across the board declines in revenue, chief executive Olli Sarekoski said this was evidence of its social responsibility measures succeeding.