Finland's regulatory body seeks guarantees that legalizing gambling won't lead to unwanted consequences
In Finland, the Commission on the Gambling Act (Arpiajärjestelmän uudistamisen arviointityöryhmä) has expressed concerns about the upcoming gambling framework, echoing similar sentiments from other markets such as Minnesota. The commission, tasked with reviewing the proposed changes, has requested more details on how the government plans to address the potential increase in gambling-related harm.
The government's proposed legislation acknowledges that allowing private operators to compete locally could increase societal harm from gambling. To mitigate this risk, the government should consider implementing age limits and financial restrictions, as well as the use of harm-minimization tools such as taxes.
The commission fears that the increase in the number of players could lead to an increase in gambling-related harm. To alleviate these concerns, the government should clarify the duty of care from private operators under the new regulatory model. It should also explain how it intends to enforce this duty of care and protect consumers.
Notably, the commission acknowledges that many players currently play at black market operators, where they receive no protections. The government should emphasize how it intends to protect consumers under the new regulatory model.
Finland is considering a shift from a monopoly-based gambling model to a licensee-based model. However, the government should provide clear details on the specific taxes it plans to apply in the new gambling framework. This transparency is crucial to ensure that the changes are fair and beneficial for all parties involved.
The concerns raised by the Commission on the Gambling Act are valid and warrant a thorough response from the government. By addressing these issues proactively, the government can ensure that the new gambling framework protects consumers, minimizes harm, and fosters a responsible and sustainable gambling environment.
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