Finland’s parliamentary committee flags risks in gambling reform
Finland’s Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs and Health (CSAH) has backed the government’s plan to introduce a new gambling licensing system, but warned that the current proposal could lead to increased gambling harm and social costs.
In a statement sent to the Administrative Committee, the CSAH said, “The new Gambling Act will significantly change the gambling system and increase gambling harms and the resulting social costs.”
Despite its concerns, the committee did not suggest specific changes to the proposal. Several parliamentary sub-committees will now review the bill before the Administrative Committee consolidates their input and presents any proposed changes for debate.
CSAH is the fifth committee to submit its review of the bill. The tone of the committee’s response was less severe than expected. The committee acknowledged several provisions as positive from a harm reduction perspective and welcomed them accordingly.
Call for faster implementation of safeguards
Licensing rules under the proposed law are scheduled to come into effect from 1 January 2026, with other parts of the law starting in 2027. However, the CSAH has urged that measures to prevent gambling harm be enforced from the start of the new law.
The committee also supports giving authorities the power to block payments and websites to stop unlicensed gambling, especially on the black market.
Strict marketing controls and higher age limit
One of the biggest challenges in the reform is balancing consumer protection with maintaining high channeling rates, particularly as the bill proposes to ban traditional affiliate marketing.
The CSAH wants gambling marketing to be “much more strictly” controlled than currently proposed. It has also called for a complete ban on outdoor advertising.
The committee has suggested the minimum age for gambling should be raised to 20 and that young adults (18–24) should receive “special protection”.
Need for continued development
The CSAH believes the proposed law will need a follow-up project to further improve harm prevention and address gaps. The committee emphasised that gambling should not be viewed as a typical consumer product because of its addictive potential and the broader social harm it can cause. It also stressed the importance of stronger regulatory oversight and a more thorough examination of the social consequences of liberalising the gambling market.
The Administrative Committee will now draft its report on the government’s proposal. The reform is part of Finland’s wider gambling overhaul, which includes a new licensing system, stronger oversight, mandatory ID checks, self-exclusion tools and stricter advertising rules.
