Mental Health Policy Advisory Board: Mental health impacts of changes to alcohol and gambling monopolies must be assessed

12.05.2025 - The Finnish Parliament’s Mental Health Policy Advisory Board calls for resources to prevent the expected increase in alcohol- and gambling-related harm resulting from policy changes.

Alcohol sales and gambling are undergoing significant shifts in Finland as regulations are loosened. Parliament is currently reviewing a government proposal for a new Gambling Act that would open the online gambling market to foreign operators. The law would also significantly expand gambling advertising. In parallel, Finland has already eased restrictions on alcohol retail sales, and the government is now considering allowing wines up to 15% ABV to be sold in regular retail outlets.

Although one of the key objectives of the gambling reform, as stated in the government programme, is to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm, the proposal acknowledges that such harm—including potential increases in suicide—is a major risk associated with the changes.

According to the proposal, gambling problems are closely tied to mental and physical health issues, as well as substance use. The need for prevention and harm reduction is expected to grow, even as resources for gambling harm prevention and mental health work are diminishing. It is likely that these developments will significantly impact the ability of services in both sectors to meet rising needs.

Alcohol’s mental health impact in Finland is substantial. Parental alcohol use has long-term consequences for children, increasing their risk of later mental health issues, substance use problems, and social disadvantage.

Alcohol and gambling harms are deeply interlinked. Both affect mental health and impose a significant economic burden on society. These harms must be taken seriously, especially now, as mental health problems are rising across the population—most notably among youth and young adults.

Preventing alcohol- and gambling-related harm is both a humane and economically sound strategy. Effective prevention requires comprehensive impact assessments, health-informed policies, and adequate funding for prevention and low-threshold support services.

Non-governmental social and health organizations play a key role in preventive and remedial work related to gambling, substance use, and mental health. However, these organizations are facing significant funding cuts under the current government.

According to Paula Risikko, chair of the Advisory Board, substance and gambling policy must be grounded in evidence and focused on systematic harm prevention. Public well-being should be the guiding principle of alcohol and gambling policy.

“The reforms already enacted and those under preparation will have widespread mental health and societal consequences. The impacts will be felt among children, youth, families, and in the demand for services across the wellbeing regions. Every child and young person has the right to grow up in an environment that supports their mental health,” Risikko stated.

The Advisory Board recommends:

• Including mental health impact assessments in alcohol and gambling policy decisions

• Strengthening preventive efforts against health harms in alcohol and gambling policy

• Guaranteeing low-threshold, timely support for people affected by substance use or gambling and their families, including mental health and crisis support

• Allocating resources for suicide prevention as part of harm reduction efforts

• Earmarking part of gambling revenues for the prevention and reduction of gambling-related harm