Finland health and consumer agencies urge stricter gambling regulations

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) are calling for increased player protections ahead of the liberalization of the gambling market next year. As the current monopoly held by Veikkaus transitions to a license-based system, officials expect a significant increase in the number of gambling companies and a surge in marketing activities.

Both agencies warn that current measures to mitigate harm do not match the projected risks. They argue that without additional regulation, such as stricter age limits and marketing controls, gambling-related harms will rise. Specifically, they recommend raising the legal gambling age to 20 years to protect young adults, a demographic already showing higher rates of gambling problems and debt.

THL Director General Mika Salminen emphasized that protecting youth must become a central goal of gambling policy. Experts warn that early-onset gambling issues can lead to long-term consequences, including debt, difficulties in education and employment, mental health issues, and severe financial instability.