One doesn’t make a trip like this alone, says Janne Ruohonen, the Casino Helsinki casino manager
Casino Helsinki's casino manager, Janne Ruohonen, has over 20 years of experience in the gambling industry. He moved into his current role from his position as Veikkaus' security manager on March 1, 2022.
– My journey started from the Casino on Eteläinen Rautatiekatu and has progressed through several steps. That's how I ended up here. I started working as a line manager in 2012. For example, if I think about the role I started with in the gambling industry and what I do now, Janne explains.
Roles and responsibilities have changed a lot along the way.
The casino manager's work involves daily management and development of operations. In his role, the casino manager acts as a key figure for customers, staff, and partners. Safety and related matters are also a significant part of the casino's operations.
For instance, public speaking wasn't initially Janne's strongest or most preferred activity. However, as security manager, his role included a lot of interaction, speaking engagements, and training tasks at Veikkaus' various locations around Finland.
– I just had to take the bull by the horns and go out to talk to people. That’s when I realized how important a role I played as a speaker. I was able to support people in their roles, and they received real benefits and tools for their own work from my training.
– A journey like the one I’ve had at Veikkaus isn't done alone. It’s been supported by great supervisors, colleagues, and above all, the staff, whose warm reception motivated me to apply for my current position.
"I believe in the power of team play"
In his free time, Janne enjoys sports. A good group of friends ensures there’s time for exercise in his schedule. In addition to gym workouts, the group engages in various forms of exercise, from walking in the rain to playing street hockey. Janne is also a certified ice hockey referee and has officiated in the first division and Finnis National League preseason games.
-There would have been a chance for me to start refereeing in the Finnish League, but in between, I moved from Tampere to Helsinki, and hockey on that scale took a back seat, Janne says.
However, Janne plans to continue applying the lessons he learned from his time in team sports in the future as well.
-The individuals in a team are all different. A team—just like we have in working life—has a common goal, but everyone has their own drivers for how they want to reach that goal. That’s when we need someone to guide us in a unified direction. In some situations, you have to get the whole team to rise to their level despite tough moments. That’s rarely something you can do alone, but one person can still have a big impact. Both on the field and in working life, Janne concludes.
Casino Helsinki has operated right in the heart of Helsinki for over 30 years. Originally located in Hotel Presidentti, Casino RAY opened in 1991. Later, the name was changed to Grand Casino Helsinki, and the casino was relocated to its current location by the Rautatientori.
