Citizens' initiative on gambling: a new proposal to prevent gambling problems in Finland

A citizens' initiative to remove gambling machines from public places such as shops, kiosks and restaurants has sparked a wide debate in Finland. Finns are concerned about gambling addiction and want to reduce exposure to slot machines, which are easily accessible to all. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable people in particular from the harmful effects of gambling.

When it comes to gambling and casino experiences, it is important to choose the best casino that offers responsible and safe gambling. The initiative is supported by many Finns as it can help reduce gambling harm and promote healthier gambling cultures. A good casino is one that takes players' welfare into account and provides tools for setting gaming limits.

The best casinos not only offer entertaining and varied games, but also effective ways to gamble responsibly. In the world of gambling, responsibility is key and everyone should know how to play safely. In the following sections, we take a closer look at the importance of the Citizens' Initiative and its implications for Finns.

Bulletpoints on the impact of gambling and the Citizens' Initiative:

• The aims of the initiative: removing gambling machines from public places
• The debate in Finnish society
• Impact on gambling addiction and gambling harm
• Statistics and studies: only a small proportion of gamblers generate a large proportion of revenue
• The importance of responsible gambling

The role of the citizens' initiative in gambling legislation

Citizens' initiatives offer citizens the opportunity to influence legislation directly. In the gambling sector, initiatives can bring about changes in areas such as the prevention of gambling harm and the regulation of gambling.

Definition and process of a citizens' initiative

A citizens' initiative is a way for citizens to propose changes to legislation. The process starts with the drafting of an initiative, followed by the collection of names and the submission of the initiative to Parliament.

• The authors of the initiative must be Finnish citizens.
• The person responsible must ensure that financial support is declared if the value of the support is at least €1 500.
• The initiative must receive at least 50 000 signatures within six months.

The Citizens' Initiative.fi website facilitates the process by providing electronic identification and signature collection.

Current state and history of gambling legislation

Finland has a highly regulated gambling system, with Veikkaus Oy as a monopoly. The purpose of the monopoly is to prevent gambling harm and to channel the proceeds to socially beneficial purposes.

• Veikkaus was created in 2017 when three state-owned gaming companies were merged.
• The history of gambling regulation dates back to the early 20th century.
• The legislation ranges from the Lotteries Act to the Fundraising Act.

Gambling legislation is constantly changing, and citizens' initiatives can influence how gambling harm is managed and how gaming proceeds are spent. They can, for example, propose additional support for people with gambling problems or changes to the way games are marketed.

Gambling culture and behaviour in Finland

Finnish gambling culture is diverse, with different forms of gambling and different attitudes. Survey data reveal significant trends in both the prevalence of online gambling and gambling problems.

Forms of gambling and popularity

• A variety of popular gambling games include Lotto, sports betting, horse betting and scratch cards.
• Slot machines are particularly popular.
• Casino games also offer a wide range of options, although they are not as common as other games.
• Surveys conducted in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 have looked at the extent and patterns of gambling among Finns.
• More than half of Finns aged 15-74 play gambling games every year.

Prevalence of online gambling and access to gambling

• Online gambling has increased significantly over the last decade.
• The ability to play anywhere and anytime has increased the popularity of online gambling.
• The availability of online gambling has expanded, with gaming sites offering an increasing variety of games.
• Casino games, betting and lotteries are easily accessible online.
• Mobile apps have made gambling easier and faster.

Survey data on gambling in Finland

• The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has carried out extensive research on gambling.
• According to the 2023 study, 4.2% of Finns gamble at risk or problem gambling.
• This figure is 6.6% for men and 1.8% for women.
• This means around 151 000 people at population level.
• Studies have shown that gambling problems are concentrated in certain population groups.
• Attitudes and opinions on gambling have also varied over the years.

These data show that Finns have a diverse relationship with gambling and that gambling habits and attitudes have changed over time.

Gambling service providers and their policies

Gambling services are offered by both Finnish casinos and online casinos located abroad. Important things to consider are the return rates, bonuses and the security and reliability of the gaming sites.

Online casinos in Finland and abroad

Online casinos offer a variety of games for Finnish players. Casinos in Finland are often operated by Veikkaus, but many Finnish players also use online casinos abroad.

• Finnish casinos.
• Foreign online casinos: most are licensed in Malta or Gibraltar and offer a wide range of games and bonuses.

Online casinos usually have a wider range of games and more offers, but it is important to check that they are licensed and regulated.

Game refunds, bonuses and promotions

It is important for players to know the return rates of games, i.e. how much the games return in the long run. A higher return rate usually means a better chance of winning.

• Payout percentages.
• Bonuses: deposit bonuses, free spins and other benefits are often offered to new players.
• Regular promotions and tournaments may offer additional prizes.

Regular promotions and regular bonuses may include regular promotions, regular promotions, regular bonuses, regular promotions, regular promotions and regular promotions.

Gaming site security and reliability

When choosing a game or online casino, security and reliability are of paramount importance. Reliable casinos use strong security measures and encryption technologies.

• Licensing: ETS Check that the casino has a valid licence from the gaming authorities in countries such as Malta, Gibraltar or the UK.
• HTTPS encryption and SSL certificates protect player data.
• Fair games.

In addition to these, check user reviews and testimonials for gambling sites' trustworthiness. This will help ensure that you choose a safe and fair gambling site.

Features and popularity of different gambling sites

Many different types of players are interested in gambling. This section looks at the different features of these games and why they are so popular.

Betting and lotteries

The lottery and betting are traditional gambling games where players try to guess numbers or combinations. These games have been popular in Finland for decades.

• Veikkaus offers many different types of games, such as Keno and scratch cards
• Lotto is particularly popular on Saturdays, offering big jackpot prizes
• Features: ease of use, big payouts, weekly draws

Lottery jackpots can change your life in an instant. That's why it's so popular.

Slots, table games and live casino games

Slots and table games make up a significant part of the gambling offerings at online casinos. Live casino games bring the excitement of table games right to your couch.

• Slots: graphically rich, bonus features, jackpots
• Table games: blackjack, roulette, baccarat
• Live casino games: real dealers, real-time play

Slots are popular for their visual richness and potential big wins. Table games and live casino games offer an authentic casino experience.

Free gambling and what it means

Free gambling allows players to try out different games without any financial risk. They are often part of casino marketing and promotions.

• Experiments: discovering new games
• Bonuses: free spins, bonus money
• Significance: risk-free, practice of strategies

Free games allow you to practice different games and develop your skills before you bet real money.

Betting and sports betting

Betting covers a wide range of events, but sports betting is perhaps the best known. In sports betting, you can bet on a variety of sporting events and matches.

• Sports betting offers: a variety of targets, live betting, many strategies
• Sports betting: especially popular with football, hockey and tennis.
• Features: real-time, in-depth analysis, potential for big wins

The popularity of sports betting is based on the excitement and the possibility of analysing and predicting the outcome of different events.

The social impact and ethical issues of gambling

Gambling has a broad impact on society, covering both social and economic aspects. Ethical issues arise in the use and distribution of gambling proceeds among foundations and communities.

The social consequences of gambling

Gambling can lead to serious personal and social problems. Many gamblers face financial difficulties that can affect their families and communities.

• Health: gambling can cause stress, anxiety and other mental health problems.
• Relationships: addiction can lead to conflicts between family members and friends.
• Employment: gambling can impair your ability to work and lead to unemployment.

The social tension of the moment can become a long-term handicap.

Use of gambling proceeds and interactions

The use of gambling revenues raises many questions. In Finland, gambling revenues are often used to support public services and various charities.

• Sosped Foundation.
• Gambling: the proceeds of gambling winnings are often channelled towards the welfare of citizens.
• Ministry of Justice: monitors gambling activities and the use of proceeds.

The distribution of gambling proceeds raises ethical questions about how effectively and fairly they are spent.

The role of trusts and foundations in the distribution of gambling proceeds

Foundations and associations, such as the Sosped Foundation, play a key role in the distribution of gambling proceeds. They ensure that the funds are used for the benefit of society.

• Charity: gambling proceeds are often used for social projects.
• Social security: part of the proceeds are channelled to vulnerable groups.
• Ethics: The Ministry of Justice ensures that the funds are used ethically and appropriately.

These actors face constant challenges in how to distribute the funds in the most efficient and fair way for the benefit of society.