A Clear and Memorable Framework for Players

The newly released guidelines are built around an easy-to-remember model known as 2-4-2, which defines practical risk limits for gambling. Under this framework, players are advised to spend no more than 2% of their net income on gambling, to gamble on no more than four days per month, and to avoid regularly playing more than two different game types.

According to THL, the aim is to provide players with a simple and effective reference point as Finland moves toward a more competitive, license-based gambling market that will open betting and online casino operations to competition in 2027.

“Managing gambling requires a clear and memorable rule of thumb,” said Sari Castrén, Research Manager at THL, emphasizing the importance of practical tools that players can easily apply in their everyday lives.

Responding to a Changing Gambling Landscape

Gambling remains widespread in Finland. Data from the latest Finnish Gambling Survey shows that 70% of respondents had gambled at least once in the previous 12 months. THL expects that advertising and customer acquisition efforts will increase significantly under the upcoming licensing system, making preventive tools more relevant than ever.

“Gambling involves risks, and in the end the house always wins, as the saying goes. The 2-4-2 model is everyone’s personal credit line for managing their gambling. And best of all, people can now assess their own relationship with gambling through our new test,” Castrén added.

THL plans to actively promote the new gambling test through digital channels throughout 2026. The tool will be available in Swedish and English in spring 2026, coinciding with a broader renewal of THL’s website, expanding its reach to international and multilingual audiences.

Science-Based Limits with International Roots

The Finnish lower-risk gambling limits are based on the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGG), originally developed in Canada through extensive international research collaboration. These guidelines provide evidence-based thresholds to help individuals recognize and manage potential gambling-related risks.

The suitability of the model for Finland was studied between 2022 and 2024, with adjustments made to better reflect local economic realities.

“The key difference compared to the Canadian guidelines is that they recommend spending no more than one percent of household gross income, whereas the Finnish recommendation sets the limit at two percent of personal net income. This aligns better with Finnish financial thinking,” Castrén explained.

A Positive Step Toward Responsible Gambling

By combining clear spending limits with an accessible self-assessment tool, THL’s initiative represents a proactive and player-focused approach to harm prevention. As Finland transitions to a more open gambling market, these measures aim to empower consumers, support informed decision-making, and strengthen responsible gambling practices across the industry.