The Finnish Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs and Health has delivered a detailed critique of the Government’s proposed Gambling Act reform, which envisions opening Finland’s gambling market to competition by 2027. The committee expressed serious concerns that the current legislative draft could inadvertently increase gambling-related harm rather than reduce it, urging lawmakers to focus more heavily on protecting consumers.
Finnish Parliamentary Committee Questions Government’s Gambling Market Plans
The core of the Government’s reform involves ending the state monopoly held by Veikkaus and allowing licensed private operators to enter the market. This approach aims to diversify the gambling landscape and offer players more choice while directing them to regulated platforms. However, the Parliamentary Committee recommended several key changes before endorsing such a shift. A prominent suggestion was raising the minimum gambling age to 20 years, rather than maintaining the current threshold of 18. This recommendation reflects growing concerns about the susceptibility of younger adults to gambling addiction and the wider societal risks.
Emphasis on Raising Gambling Age and Strengthening Harm Prevention
Beyond age limits, the committee stressed that gambling must not be regarded as a conventional consumer product. It pointed out the addictive potential inherent in gambling activities and the way harms can accumulate over time, impacting individuals, families, and communities. As a result, the committee called for the legislative framework to prioritize harm prevention measures above market liberalization. This includes advocating for stricter regulatory controls, such as improved oversight mechanisms and enhanced social impact assessments before implementing market changes. The committee also underscored the need for robust consumer protections, including tools that allow players to self-exclude and mandatory identification checks to prevent underage gambling.
Regulatory Challenges Amid Finland’s Gambling Market Overhaul
The proposed reform forms part of a wider overhaul of Finland’s gambling sector, which includes the establishment of a licensing system for private operators and a new supervisory authority tasked with market regulation. Additional elements in the Government’s plan include tighter restrictions on gambling advertising and enhanced consumer safeguards. Nevertheless, the Parliamentary Committee’s reservations highlight an ongoing debate within Finnish institutions regarding the potential consequences of market liberalization. While competition could drive innovation and offer better services, it may also increase gambling availability and, by extension, risks of addiction and social harm.
The Parliament’s Administrative Committee is now preparing its own report on the Government’s proposal. This report will play a significant role in shaping the final legislation and balancing the complex objectives of modernizing the gambling market while safeguarding public health. The discussion reflects the broader challenge faced by many countries as they seek to reconcile regulatory openness with responsible gambling policies.
Source:
Finnish committee rejects gambling reform proposal, gamblinginsider.com, May 15, 2025
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