Attitudes Towards Gambling in Finland

For a long time, Finnish culture has been highly supportive of gambling, with the idea that money lost on games ultimately benefits good causes. However, in recent years, gambling-related problems have become a prominent topic in public discussion, raising awareness of the associated harms.

Gambling in Finland: Changing Public Opinion

According to surveys, Finns’ attitudes toward gambling have grown slightly more negative since 2015. Women consistently hold more negative views on gambling than men across all study years.

In 2023:

• 90% of respondents believed gambling should not be encouraged.

• 61% agreed that there are too many opportunities to gamble in Finland.

Slot Machines: Should They Be Moved?

A majority of Finns support relocating slot machines to dedicated gaming halls:

• 57% favored the move in 2023, an increase from 52% in 2019.

• 20% opposed the relocation, while 23% had no opinion on the matter.

Is Problem Gambling a Serious Issue?

In 2023, 53% of respondents considered problem gambling a serious issue in Finland, down from 68% in 2019.

Cover photo: The mushroom photographer on Unsplash

Source: Peluuri