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Finland council questions impact of new gambling legislation
Finland’s council, Lainsäädännön arviointineuvosto, has raised concerns about the potential increase in gambling harms under the country’s new gambling legislation.
Currently, only Finland’s state-run monopoly can legally offer online gambling, but with the proposed changes, more private operators could enter the market. This may attract more players, which experts fear could lead to a rise in gambling-related harms.
Lainsäädännön is responsible for pending legislation, and its recent report, published on January 2, shows how opening the gambling market to commercial competition might double these issues of the industry.
The council’s report says:
“The proposal should describe in more detail the risks it poses to the fulfillment of the duty of care if gambling harm increases. What does the increase in gambling harm mean for the compatibility of the proposal with EU law?”
The legislative review council also emphasized the importance of considering preventative measures to curb gambling issues.
The council’s report continues:
“The legislative review council believes that the bill should have assessed various options in more detail from the perspective of reducing the harm caused by gambling, taking into account, for example, the effects of different lottery tax rates, centralized spending limits, or the age [restrictions].”
As Finland prepares for its major gambling reform set for January 2026, the government has submitted a draft of the new framework to the European Commission and is awaiting further review.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Finland?
Gambling in Finland is legal and regulated by the law.
What is the legal gambling age in Finland?
The legal gambling age in Finland is 18 years.
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