Finnish Committee Critiques Proposed Gambling Reforms

The Finnish Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs and Health has voiced strong objections to the Government's proposed reform of the Gambling Act. The committee's detailed critique focuses on the potential risks associated with opening Finland's gambling market to private competition. Their primary concern is the possibility that such changes could lead to increased gambling-related harm, affecting individuals, families, and communities. The committee insists that the core aim of any reform should be to safeguard players and mitigate the risks of gambling addiction and related social issues.

Recommendations for Safer Gambling Practices

In response to the proposed reforms, the committee has made several key recommendations aimed at enhancing player safety. One significant suggestion is to increase the legal gambling age from 18 to 20 years, reflecting a heightened awareness of the susceptibility of young adults to gambling addiction and its long-term impact on their well-being. The committee argues that gambling should not be viewed merely as a consumer product due to its inherent risks, which include addiction, financial difficulties, and social repercussions. They call for stricter regulatory measures to counteract these dangers and for thorough evaluations of how market liberalization might affect public health and social welfare. The committee emphasizes the need for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent an increase in gambling-related harm.

Government's Plan and Legislative Review Process

The Finnish Government's reform proposal aims to break the digital monopoly currently held by the state operator Veikkaus by implementing a licensing system that would allow private operators to enter the market starting in 2027. The goal is to foster a more competitive market while directing players towards licensed and regulated operators and enhancing consumer protection. However, the Parliamentary Committee's critique underscores a significant conflict between the Government's economic goals and the necessity to prioritize responsible gambling safeguards in any legislative changes. The Parliamentary Administrative Committee is set to review the Government's proposal and will issue its own report, which is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the legislative process. The broader context of the Gambling Act reform involves a comprehensive overhaul of Finland's gambling system to modernize regulatory structures while addressing public health concerns. This includes the establishment of a new supervisory authority responsible for monitoring gambling operators and ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, the reform package includes various player protection measures designed to reduce harm, such as mandatory identity verification to prevent underage gambling, improved self-exclusion options to help individuals manage their gambling, and tighter advertising regulations to limit exposure to gambling promotions, particularly for vulnerable groups. These initiatives are intended to create a regulatory framework that supports a competitive market while maintaining a strong focus on social responsibility. The Parliamentary Committee's report highlights the complex challenge faced by Finnish lawmakers in balancing the liberalization of the gambling market with public health priorities. Their recommendations emphasize that, despite the push to open the gambling sector to private competition, the primary focus must remain on protecting individuals and communities from gambling-related harm. The committee advocates for a cautious, gradual approach to reform, ensuring that social and health considerations are not overshadowed by commercial interests. Source: Finnish committee rejects gambling reform proposal, gamblinginsider.com, May 15, 2025. By GamesAndCasino