Key points:
- The Finnish Parliamentary Committee has recommended raising the gambling age limit to 20 years and prioritising harm prevention over market competition
- The committee characterises gambling as a risky product rather than a regular consumer good
- The government proposal to end the Veikkaus monopoly and open the market by 2027 faces legislative scrutiny with divided opinions
The Finnish Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs and Health has issued a response to the Government's proposed Gambling Act reform, expressing concern that the current draft could increase gambling-related harm.
The committee has recommended several modifications to the proposed legislation, including a potential increase in the minimum gambling age to 20 years.
Under the Finnish Government’s plan, the gambling market is set to be opened to competition starting in 2027, ending the digital monopoly currently held by state operator Veikkaus.
While the Government aims to channel players toward licensed operators and strengthen consumer protections, the committee stresses that the prevention of gambling harm must remain the legislation’s primary focus.
The committee emphasised that gambling should not be treated as a normal consumer good, citing its addictive potential and cumulative harm.
It also pointed out the need for stricter regulatory controls and more thorough consideration of the social impacts of liberalising the market.
The Parliament’s Administrative Committee will now prepare its own report on the Government’s proposal.
The debate comes amid Finland’s broader gambling overhaul, which includes plans for a licensing system for private operators, a new supervisory authority and enhanced measures such as mandatory ID verification, self-exclusion tools and advertising restrictions.
