Finland has wrapped up a consultation concerning four draft decrees related to its new Gambling Act. Key recommendations include limiting slot rounds to 2.5 seconds, prohibiting autoplay, capping individual stakes for slot players at 20 Euros, and requiring a 15-minute reminder for gamblers about their play duration.
These proposed draft decrees are instrumental in transitioning Finland towards a licensed gambling market. They aim to impose stricter rules such as the 2.5-second cap on slot rounds, the ban on autoplay features, and the introduction of mandatory reminders every 15 minutes for players. For gamblers under the age of 25, there are suggestions to restrict their stakes to half those allowed for older players. The overall maximum stake would be set at 20 Euros, significantly impacting the availability of bonus-buy options. The drafts also address group play dynamics, although their implications remain uncertain.
The consultation received feedback from various stakeholders, including operators, suppliers, industry associations, legal experts, public health organizations, and government agencies. Notable companies such as Hippos ATG, Play North, Veikkaus, Paf, Wildz Group, FDJ United, Betsson Group, Bragg, Games Global, Playtech, and Evolution voiced concerns regarding the proposed regulations.
On the other hand, several government agencies and public health organizations expressed stronger support for the new rules. Bodies like the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, THL, EHYT, Peluuri, Sosped Foundation, A-klinikkasäätiö, and the ministry’s harm assessment group endorsed the regulations but urged for additional measures. These include lower limits on stakes and losses, a slower pace for slot games, required breaks for players, clearer information regarding gambling expenses, and stricter controls on high-risk gaming features.
The forthcoming regulations will be pivotal for Finland as it seeks to balance the attractions of its new licensed gambling market with consumer protection. This consultation highlights a central issue in the reform: establishing effective restrictions to mitigate gambling-related harm while ensuring the new regulated market remains competitive enough to discourage engagement with unregulated options.
