As part of our visit to the University of Helsinki, we were treated to an insider's tour of the Grand Casino, the only casino in Finland.  The casino is operated by RAY, Finland's Slot Machine Association (Raha-automaattiyhdistys in Finnish).  RAY has the exclusive rights under the Finnish Lottery Act law to operate slot machines, which show up in convenience-store type locations, low-stakes table games in some restaurants, and the Grand Casino.  All of the profits go to fund health and welfare organizations.  In 2009, RAY's gaming revenue surpassed 650 million euros, or about $800 million.

The Grand Casino is located in the old Fennia Hall (Fennia, we're told, is the Latin term for Finland), which was a cabaret at the turn of the 20th century.  The style is classy, in keeping with the history of the location.  White columns with gold decorations, high ceilings, Swedish and Russian design influences, and -- get this -- large windows with sunlight streaming in.  There is a dinner theater, which not long ago hosted Elvis impersonator Doug Church -- the act was sold out, and they're likely to have him back again soon.

The Grand Casino hosts about 800 visitors each of the 364 days it is open; the casino is closed on Christmas Day, and otherwise operates from noon to 4 am.

More on our fascinating tour next time . . . .