Both Finland and Italy had recently introduced policies to reduce the number of electronic gambling machines (EGMs) in non-casino locations. The researchers analysed news articles to explore the objectives of the policies and their justifications. They also examined the impacts on total consumption. The EGM reduction was justified in terms of public health concerns in both countries. But, the reduction was limited in extent compared to initial suggestions. The decline in total consumption was not proportional to the reduction in the number of EGMs. The researchers suggested that the EGM reduction in Italy and Finland had not been significant enough.