FINLAND TO RAISE GAMBLING AGE

27 June 2008

15 was too low a limit


Swiss-Press reports that the Finnish government will soon amend current gambling legislation to raise the age limit for using gambling machines from 15 to 18.

The proposal includes a one-year transition period for the implementation of the new age-limit for some automatic gambling machines.

Currently the age limit is 15 for using gambling machines and participating in games of chance provided by Veikkaus, the state betting and lottery organisation.

Enforcement of the age limit and supervision of the premises where gambling machines are used will be the responsibility of representatives the gambling industry. Failure to enforce the new age limit will lead to prosecution. The bill also calls for precautions against marketing being targeted on the underaged. The President will read the bill before the Finnish Parliament next week.

Industry observers speculate that the changes are to bring Finland into line with European Union requirements.

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