Finland ends consultations on new gambling rules

Finland has recently conducted a consultation regarding four draft decrees concerning the new Gambling Act. Among the main recommendations are the proposal to limit slot rounds to 2.5 seconds, the prohibition of autoplay, the budget of slot players to 20 Euros per stake and the provision of 15 minutes for gamblers to remind them about the play. The four draft decrees will contribute to the transition of Finland into a licensed gambling market by introducing limits on the slot rounds to 2.5 seconds, the prohibition of autoplay as well as the introduction of a 15-minute reminder that should be implemented. Regarding the limits for players under 25, the rules have been proposed to limit their stakes to half of the limits for other players. The limits on the stake will be set at the level of 20 euros. In practical terms, such limits will prevent the offering of bonus-buy options to a considerable extent. However, the drafts contain provisions related to the influence on group play forms, and their consequences are not clear yet. The consultation attracted comments from representatives of operators, suppliers, industry associations, attorneys, public health agencies and government bodies. Specifically, the representatives of companies such as Hippos ATG, Play North, Veikkaus, Paf, Wildz Group, FDJ United, Betsson Group, Bragg, Games Global, Playtech and Evolution raised concerns about the proposals. Government-related organizations and public health bodies took an even stronger position. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, THL, EHYT, Peluuri, Sosped Foundation, A-klinikkasäätiö and the ministry’s harm assessment group supported the suggested regulations, although they called for additional measures, such as lower limits for stakes and losses, a more leisurely pace of slot games, obligatory breaks for players, more specific information on gambling expenses and further restrictions on high-risk gaming characteristics. Regulations will determine how Finland will balance the lures of its new licensed market with consumer protection. The consultation reveals the key problem of the reform: the need to impose effective restrictions that will prevent gambling harm and at the same time to provide the regulated market with a high degree of competitiveness in order to eliminate the needs for people to go to unregulated markets.