Only adults can play slot machines
Playing slot machines is prohibited for persons under 18 as of 1 July. All other gambling games were prohibited for minors already last autumn. Children and young people can no longer play slot machines even if accompanied by an adult.
Young people are interested in gambling, but they are also more prone to problem gambling. The slot machine ban for minors aims at protecting young people against harmful effects of gambling, such as problems in social relations and using money. Studies show that people who start gambling at a young age are more susceptible to problem gambling later on.
In Finland, the age limits for gambling games have been exceptionally low in European comparison. Now the age limit for gambling is the same as the age limit for alcohol and tobacco. Lifestyles adopted at a young age have an impact throughout life.
The webpage www.nuoretpelissa.fi (Young people at stake) is a joint effort of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of the Interior to provide people involved in the upbringing of children information on gambling among young people and support in preventing harmful effects of gambling. It is based on material on young people and gambling recently published by the National Institute for Health and Welfare in cooperation with the organisation EOPH and its project focusing on young people and gambling.
Compliance with the age limit for slot machines is supervisedSlot machines must beplaced in a controlled area where compliance with the age limit can be supervised efficiently. Finland's Slot Machine Association monitors compliance with the age limit in its gambling halls, where the age limit has been 18 already earlier. Also establishments providing space for slot machines, such as kiosks, service stations, shops and restaurants, must monitor compliance with the age limit.
Failure to do so may result in the National Police Board prohibiting the establishment to keep slot machines in use and imposing a fine to reinforce the prohibition. Negligence to monitor compliance with the age limit may also lead to criminal liability.
Additional informationKari Paaso, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel +358 9 160 74018, [email protected]
Kari Haavisto, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health,
tel +358 9 160 74177, [email protected] (as of 4 July)
Teresa Taskinen, Project Specialist, Organisation Elämä on Parasta Huumetta (EOPH), tel +358 50 509 8759, [email protected] (young people's gambling)
Jukka Tukia, Senior Officer, Ministry of the Interior, tel +358 71 878 8573, [email protected] (monitoring compliance with the age limits)
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