Lancet report calls for stricter gambling regulations in Finland

A recent report from the international working group known as The Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling recommends implementing stricter regulations for gambling activities. This group comprises experts in gambling research, public health, health policy, and regulatory policy. According to the report, significant measures should be taken to restrict the availability and visibility of gambling to mitigate its harms. It is suggested that bans on marketing and sponsorship can dramatically reduce exposure to harmful gambling products, as indicated by a press release from the University of Helsinki.

Virve Marionneau, a member of the working group from the University of Helsinki, emphasizes that Finland should take these recommendations seriously. She warns that otherwise, the new licensing system set to be introduced in Finland could increase and exacerbate gambling-related harms, a pattern seen in other countries where access to gambling was significantly enhanced without adequate harm prevention measures.

Finland’s gambling legislation is set to change, moving towards an online gambling licensing system by 2027, which will dismantle the monopoly held by Veikkaus over online betting and casino games. This transition is expected to increase the availability of gambling options within the Finnish market.

The working group identifies online casino games, slot machines, and sports betting as the most harmful gambling products. Their assessment reveals that nearly 16% of adults and over 26% of youths engaging in online gaming suffer from gambling-related issues. Globally, an estimated 80 million adults face gambling problems or addiction, while nearly 450 million gamble at risky levels. In addition to addiction, gambling leads to numerous societal issues, including health and mental health problems, relationship challenges, crime, employment issues, and an increased risk of domestic violence and suicide.