Helsinki, Finland – The Finnish government has recently published a draft of the new gambling law, aiming to modernize and regulate the country’s gambling industry. The proposed legislation includes several significant changes that could potentially transform the way gambling is conducted in Finland.
One of the key provisions in the draft law is the establishment of a new regulatory body, the Finnish Gambling Authority, which would be responsible for overseeing all gambling activities in the country. This would replace the current regulatory system, where gambling operations are supervised by different ministries and agencies.
The draft law also aims to bring online gambling operators under stricter control by introducing a licensing system for them. This would require operators to obtain a license from the Finnish Gambling Authority in order to offer their services to Finnish players. The licensing system is designed to ensure that only legitimate and reputable operators are allowed to operate in the country.
Furthermore, the draft law proposes to limit the number of gambling advertisements and promotions that can be targeted at Finnish consumers. This is seen as a measure to reduce the negative impact of excessive gambling advertising on vulnerable individuals, particularly minors and problem gamblers.
In addition, the draft law includes measures to enhance player protection, such as setting maximum bet limits and introducing mandatory identification checks to prevent underage gambling. It also aims to combat money laundering and other illegal activities within the gambling industry by introducing stricter reporting requirements for operators.
Industry stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the draft law. Some have welcomed the proposed changes as a step in the right direction towards a more transparent and responsible gambling industry. Others, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact of the new regulations on their business operations and profitability.
The draft of the Finnish gambling law will now undergo a period of public consultation, during which concerned parties and members of the public can provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. The government hopes to finalize the new legislation by the end of the year and implement it soon thereafter.
Overall, the publication of the draft gambling law signals a significant milestone in Finland’s efforts to modernize its gambling regulations and establish a more regulated and responsible gambling industry. Only time will tell how these proposed changes will shape the future of gambling in the country.
