Navigating Societal Transformations in Finnish Gambling Policy
Introduction
Finland is currently undergoing societal changes that intersect with the challenges of prevention and treatment of gambling harm. These changes include social and health care reform and transition to a license-based gambling model. These shifts are occurring alongside the implementation of the Finland's first Gambling Policy Programme, initiated in 2022. Collectively, these developments are poised to reshape Finland’s approach to managing the complex challenges of gambling harm. In this blog, I will present a summary of these advancements and how my PhD project seeks to contribute to a richer understanding of how these changes are impacting work in the field of gambling harm prevention and treatment.
Gambling Policy Program
The Policy Programme, led by Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, is a comprehensive framework designed to align the nation’s gambling activities with the broader goals of public health. It sets ambitious targets for preventing and reducing gambling-related harm through to 2030. It outlines a set of objectives and measures aimed at promoting overall well-being, health, and safety, and developing responsive services to address the multifaceted issues surrounding gambling harm. The programme acknowledges the challenge of effectively regulating digital offshore markets, emphasizing the need for consistent and aligned actions from the government to successfully prevent and reduce gambling-related harms.
Bridging the Gap: Health Care Reform and Family Support in Gambling Harm Prevention
At the forefront is the ongoing social and healthcare reform, set to reshape operational landscapes for both the public sector and NGOs —key players in preventing and treating gambling harm. Amidst this backdrop, a recent interview study by A-Clinic Foundation revealed a significant concern. While most regional social and health care leaders express confidence in the regional services provided to individuals struggling with addictions and mental health problems, a notable gap emerges in support for their families. This gap was particularly pronounced for families affected by gambling-related issues. My first PhD article seeks to understand the lived experiences of Finnish families affected by gambling harm and their pathways to seeking help, specifically focusing on the barriers to help-seeking.
Transition to a Licensing Model: Risks and Readiness
On another front, Finland is gearing up for a transition to a licensing model for online gambling. By 2026, we will shift to a license-based model targeting the most harmful gambling products such as online slot machines, casino games, and betting. Gambling harm experts, including myself, have expressed concern that the prevention of gambling harms may be sidelined in the new system as it might be heavily influenced by profit motives. The transition could lead to greater accessibility and promotion of gambling, heightening the associated risks. As the landscape shifts, it's crucial to evaluate the preparedness of Finland’s service system and pinpoint areas that require enhancement to tackle gambling-related challenges effectively. My second PhD article investigates experiences of gambling harm and help-seeking in both bustling urban center and the quieter rural areas of Finland. This research is timely, as the transition to a licensing model introduces new challenges that make understanding these regional nuances key to improving our approach and adapting our services accordingly.
Tackling Offshore Gambling: A Shared European Challenge
Finland, much like its European neighbors, has had to confront the economic and regulatory challenges posed by offshore gambling. Although the prevalence of offshore gambling appears to have shown little fluctuation, the sums wagered offshore have experienced a notable increase. This scenario underscores the importance of Finland's transition to a license-based system, which aims not only to regain regulatory control but also to address the rising financial implications associated with offshore gambling.
Closing statements
As Finland navigates these significant societal changes, my PhD research aspires to offer insights that may help inform a more responsive approach to gambling harm prevention and treatment in this new era. In this way, I hope that my work can play a part, alongside the efforts of many others, in supporting the Finnish government’s mission to create a safer, healthier future for all citizens in the context of gambling.
Bio
Emmi Kauppila is a PhD researcher in the field of social policy at Emerging Technologies Lab, Tampere University. She also holds a position as a researcher at the A-Clinic Foundation, an NGO specialized in harm reduction. At A-Clinic Foundation she has been actively involved in the Yhteispelillä! project, focusing on the development and implementation of regional support for the prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm. Furthermore, she serves as a Trustee at the Addiction and the Family International Network (AFINet), an organization committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals affected by their loved ones' addiction to alcohol, drugs, or gambling.