Finland has witnessed an increase in susceptibility to gambling harm, leading to more gambling-related problems among its residents, as per data from the Institute of Health and Welfare.
The survey reveals that 4.2% of respondents are either at risk of developing a gambling addiction or already struggling with one, amounting to 150 thousand individuals. In a previous survey, the number was lower at 3%.
Men face the problem more frequently, with 6.6% at risk, compared to 1.8% of women. These figures are notable, particularly as Finnish authorities plan to shift to a licensing model, ending Veikhaus' monopoly on gambling.
Despite this, the institute notes a general trend towards a reduction in overall gambling participation, dropping from 78% of the population in 2019 to 70% presently.
