Finnish authorities have barred Betsson and BML Group from their operating in the country's gambling market
Finland Blacklists Betsson's Brands and Imposes Penalties, Signaling Regulatory Shift in Gambling Market
In a significant move towards enforcing its strict gambling regulations, the Finnish National Police Board has blacklisted 13 brands owned by Betsson, a well-known online gambling operator. This marks the first instance of a gambling operator being blocked in Finland.
The blacklisting comes after a court in Finland fined BML Group, a subsidiary of Betsson, €2.4 million for violating the Finnish Lotteries Act by targeted marketing to Finnish customers. The blacklisted brands include Thrills, a Betsson-owned brand operating in Finland.
It's important to note that the survey results from the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) do not directly link the blacklisting of Betsson's brands to the ongoing efforts to establish a competitive regulated gambling market in Finland. However, the blacklisting is seen as the first significant step towards Finland's goal of establishing a competitive regulated market by 2026.
The THL's recent survey on gambling in Finland revealed an increase in problem gambling, with approximately 4.2 percent of respondents reporting experiencing problem gambling or being "at-risk," equivalent to 150,000 individuals nationally. Men were disproportionately affected by problem gambling, with 6.6 percent reporting seriously problematic gambling, while women reported a lower rate of 1.8 percent.
The survey results indicate a potential need for increased support and resources for problem gamblers in Finland. The government has not yet announced specific plans to address this issue, but it is expected that further tightening of controls and licensing requirements will be implemented to ensure compliance with Finnish law and enhance responsible gambling measures.
Meanwhile, Veikkaus, the only company currently authorized to offer gambling products in Finland, is collaborating with OpenBet to modernize its fixed-odds betting services. Amidst the regulatory changes, Veikkaus is also preparing for the transition by working on workforce reductions.
The exact reasons for the blacklisting and the forthcoming market changes are yet to be clarified. As more official statements or announcements become available, they will provide a clearer picture of the future of gambling in Finland.
