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When I made my first trip to Rovaniemi many, many years ago, I quickly noticed the following scene:
If you couldn’t guess from the photo, you are looking at a row of slot machines. This is not an arcade, it’s not even a casino. This photo is from the local grocery store. And the scene is everywhere- either a group if 5-10 as above or single slot machines at local restaurants like Kotipizza (below)
The major company in Finland regulating slot machines is called Ray. Money earned from slot machines and other gambling under Ray (there are local casinos and online play opportunities as well) goes to support health and social welfare groups (more than 250 million euros in 2011 to approximately 800 groups). Even on their website they advertise Ray gambling as a way to support these organizations.
Personally I’ve never been a fan of gambling. BUT, when I’m waiting for pizza or folks to finish shopping at the grocery store, or even waiting for a flight at the airport, it really is a great way to pass the time. But don’t get too excited- this isn’t Vegas and payout aren’t the stuff of movies. I have turned a couple euros into over 20 before though 
Here’s a photo of the exterior of a casino in the Sampokeskus shopping center
And here is one from the nearby Revontuli shopping center
I think you will have a harder time finding a public location where there is NOT a slot machine.
What is the experience like? We took a video of a recent play (below). It’s long but cycles through a few different games on one machine. You can see at the bottom of the screen in the video that English is a language option. This is new. I’m familiar with the Finnish language ones- made it more exciting- I really had the excuse that I had no idea what I was doing and therefore couldn’t be at fault for a loss. Those times are no more. You will be happy to know that Ray does its part in supporting responsible gambling though. They provide a link on their site to test if you have a problem. I couldn’t find an option for English on the page so I guess I’ll never know: Link to gambling problem support
Enjoy the video!
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Oh boy, talk about pizza. This is something I look forward to every trip and there is no substitute. It’s the crust that makes this pizza. Thin and soft but a little crispy. Cheese is subtle and not overpowering. It’s so good! I recommend anything with chicken and pineapple such as the Pollo Americana or Mozzarellapizza (with chicken). Ever had reindeer on a pizza? That’s an option here in Rovaniemi (I’ve never tried it myself).
Be a real Finn and try it with some milk
We ate at 1pm today and I haven’t been hungry since! Kotipizza is a must!
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I threw on my “tourist” hat today and ventured out to capture some sights from downtown Rovaniemi. It was quite “sunny” so I took advantage of some good lighting (it’s sad but today was the equivalent of “sunny”). Beautiful day!
First up, Lordi Square. The middle of the city. Sampokeskus shopping center is behind me.
Here’s a video from the same spot, circling the area
This is Sampokeskus shopping center
Here’s a little “covert” walk through of Sampokeskus
Arnold’s- great place for doughnuts!
Outside and further down the street here are two photos facing opposite directions. The first toward Sampokeskus, the second toward Revontuli (the newer shopping center in Rovaniemi)
A video from this middle spot of the above two photos
R-Kioski (below) is kind of like a 7-11 or similar corner market in the U.S.
You can get the basics but nothing substantial. And you can place your bets here for sporting events and buy tickets for the lottery. Oh and they sell candy too
McDonald’s is here too.
Fun fact- Rovaniemi, Finland is home to the world’s most northern McDonald’s! I’ve never found it to be greasy enough though for my American tastes though- I think they actually clean out the french fry vats every night- tastes way too healthy.
Hope you enjoyed a little view into downtown Rovaniemi, Finland. More later!
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I probably make a similar post every trip but it cannot be overstated how much Finns love their candy. The primary desire in Finland is salmiakki, a salty black licorice type NOT to be confused with black licorice (two different schools of candy). There are literally dozens of different types of tastes, consistencies and sizes of salmiakki. Also found in chocolates and liquer!
But even candy as a whole is a huge staple in Finland. Below is a photo from a nearby grocery store of the “irtokarkki” (piece candy)- where you pick and choose individual pieces. The pre- packed aisle is twice as big. You’ll find this site in all grocery stores, video rental stores, and any other place with space to sell. It’s heaven for me (I have a big sweet tooth
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The photo really speaks for itself! YUM!!
Reindeer, mashed potatoes, pickles, berry sauce.
How is it made? Check it out: How to make sautéed reindeer in Finland (link)
