Finland has concluded consultations on four draft decrees related to the upcoming Gambling Act, aiming to regulate the gambling landscape in the country. Key recommendations from the consultation suggest limiting the duration of slot rounds to 2.5 seconds, banning autoplay features, capping slot player budgets to 20 Euros per stake, and introducing a 15-minute reminder system for players during gambling sessions.
These draft decrees are essential for shifting Finland towards a licensed gambling market. Along with the 2.5-second limit for slot rounds and the prohibition of autoplay, rules for players under 25 will restrict their stakes to half of the limits set for older players, ensuring they too adhere to the 20 euro maximum stake.
Such regulations are expected to significantly reduce the availability of bonus-buy options. However, the impact of proposed changes on group play dynamics remains unclear.
The consultation sparked feedback from a variety of stakeholders, including operators, suppliers, industry associations, attorneys, public health organizations, and government representatives. Notable companies like Hippos ATG, Play North, Veikkaus, Paf, Wildz Group, FDJ United, Betsson Group, Bragg, Games Global, Playtech, and Evolution all expressed concerns regarding the proposed measures.
On the contrary, government agencies and public health advocates voiced stronger support for the regulations. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, along with THL, EHYT, Peluuri, Sosped Foundation, A-klinikkasäätiö, and the harm assessment group backed the suggested changes but also urged for stricter measures. These included lower limits on stakes and losses, a slower pace for slot games, mandated breaks for players, clearer disclosures of gambling expenses, and additional restrictions on high-risk gaming features.
The forthcoming regulations will shape how Finland balances the appeal of its new licensed market with essential consumer protection measures. The consultations underscore a critical challenge in the reform process: how to implement effective safeguards against gambling-related harm while maintaining a competitive regulated market that discourages reliance on unregulated options.
