Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, known by its Finnish abbreviation THL, is the national research and development institute operating under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

THL has a statutory role in monitoring and researching gambling and the harm associated with it in Finland, and produces the population survey data on gambling participation and problem gambling that underpins Finnish policy.

For operators and advisers, THL is the source to consult for evidence on gambling behaviour in Finland rather than industry estimates. Its work is also the most likely evidence base for any future tightening of the harm prevention framework, including the loss limits the Act allows to be introduced by decree.