The Finnish Social Affairs and Health Committee has expressed concerns regarding the government’s plans to open the gambling market to competition in 2026. Committee members believe that such changes could lead to an increase in gambling addiction and place additional strain on the healthcare system.
Committee Reviews Gambling Market Reform Proposal
On May 14, the Social Affairs and Health Committee presented its position on Government Bill 16/2025. The bill proposes a shift from the Veikkaus monopoly to a licensing model. According to the lawmakers, the current system is outdated, as a significant portion of gambling has moved online and beyond national control. The goal of the reform is to bring more gambling activity under regulated legal oversight and thereby reduce harm.
The committee acknowledges the importance of strengthening oversight but criticizes the bill for insufficiently developed protective measures. Among the proposed tools are mandatory player identification, payment limits, the ability to block access to gambling, and a ban on gambling with borrowed funds. Operators will also be required to monitor player behavior and restrict harmful activity.
Nevertheless, many experts who spoke before the committee deemed the proposed measures insufficient. They warned that the reform could actually increase harm and lead to higher public expenditures.
Proposed Stricter Rules and Increased Minimum Gambling Age
The committee emphasized that gambling is not an ordinary product, as it can cause addiction and harm that affects families and communities. Lawmakers called for stronger regulations and tighter enforcement.
Additionally, a proposal was submitted to the Administrative Committee to consider raising the minimum gambling age to 20. The committee stressed the importance of ensuring adequate funding for monitoring and implementing the new legislation.
Disagreements and Next Steps
Two dissenting opinions were attached to the conclusion: one from the Social Democrats, Greens, and Left Alliance, and another from the Centre Party. These groups expressed concerns over various aspects of the proposal.
The Administrative Committee will continue working on the bill, taking into account feedback from other committees. After receiving the Constitutional Law Committee’s opinion, a final report will be prepared, and the bill will be brought to parliament for a vote.
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