A demographic study conducted by the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) in 2023 has shed light on the prevailing negative sentiments towards gambling among Finnish residents. The findings indicate that a significant majority, 90% of respondents, believe that efforts should be made to discourage gambling. Additionally, 61% of participants expressed concerns about the proliferation of online casino opportunities in the current environment.
The survey, which involved 6,000 respondents, unveiled a nuanced perspective on gambling. While 67% opposed a blanket ban on gambling, 58% agreed that individuals should have the freedom to gamble if they so choose. However, 20% of respondents viewed gambling as beneficial for society, whereas a slightly larger portion, 55%, regarded it as detrimental to family life.
Moreover, the study revealed that 70% of individuals aged 15 to 74 in mainland Finland had engaged in gambling for money within the past 12 months. Notably, gambling was most prevalent among men aged 45 to 59. These findings provide valuable insights into Finnish attitudes towards gambling and its societal impacts.
