Finnish government formal project to reform the country's online gambling monopoly - where are we today?

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior initiated a project on October 24, 2023, to reform the country's online gambling monopoly and shift to a licensing system. The project aims to create a legal framework for this transition, addressing aspects such as the inclusion of gambling groups, license procedures and fees, taxation, and measures for monitoring and preventing gambling harms. The project is set to conclude on December 31, 2025, with the government aiming to present its proposal to the parliament during the spring session of 2025.

On November 28, 2023, the Ministry of the Interior organized a stakeholder consultation event to discuss the reform of the gambling system. The event had around 60 participants, including experts, representatives from various organizations, and authorities. The project aims to investigate several key issues related to the gambling system, such as licensing, taxation, prevention of gambling harms, supervision, marketing, and sponsorship.

The stakeholders presented their views on the project, covering topics like the prevention and combating of gambling harms, supervision of gambling activities, marketing and sponsorship regulations, deposit and loss limits, game blocking registers, small-scale gambling for non-profit activities, and anti-competitive manipulation. There were also discussions about the placement of ATMs, inclusion of gambling groups in the license system, and proposals for reforms in the Lotteries Act.

Various organizations emphasized the importance of effective measures to prevent gambling harms, including strict regulations on harmful games, educational campaigns, and accessible support services. Discussions also covered the need for a centralized game data register, common deposit limits, and effective tools to combat gambling harms. Stakeholders expressed differing views on marketing regulations, with some advocating for strict restrictions to protect vulnerable groups, while others argued for regulated marketing to guide consumers to the legal market.

The stakeholders provided input on issues such as sponsorship, deposit and loss limits, game blocking, and the placement of ATMs. There were also discussions on the potential impact of the reform on non-profit organizations, and suggestions for reforms in the Lotteries Act to reflect the current landscape.

Overall, the event aimed to gather input from various stakeholders to inform the ongoing gambling system reform project, covering a wide range of topics to ensure a comprehensive and well-informed approach to the reform.