Finnish Authorities Issue Four Prohibition Decisions and Six Conditional Fines Against Unlicensed Gambling Promotions in 2026
Finland’s National Police Board issued four prohibition decisions and six conditional fines in 2026 targeting illegal gambling ads on digital platforms. Fines range from €30k-€200k for individuals and €100k-€1.2m for companies. The activity precedes the July 2027 end of the Veikkaus monopoly, with 75 licence applications filed by September 22.
SCCG Take — Regulators are enforcing strict pre-liberalisation boundaries to direct activity toward licensed operators, reducing harm risks before the market opens in 2027.
The National Police Board has intensified enforcement against illegal gambling marketing in 2026, issuing four prohibition decisions and six conditional fines as Finland prepares to end the Veikkaus monopoly.
These measures target promotions of unauthorised services on websites, social media channels and livestreaming platforms. The actions are grounded in the Lotteries Act, which currently reserves marketing rights solely to Veikkaus Oy in mainland Finland.
Juhani Wallinvirta, head of group at the National Police Board, said the penalties are designed to halt unlawful activity quickly: “The imposition of a conditional fine may be considered necessary to ensure an immediate and effective end to the illegal marketing of gambling. The purpose of the conditional fine is not to punish illegal activities, but to reinforce compliance with the prohibition decision and to ensure that illegal marketing actually ceases. Under existing law, only Veikkaus Oy has the right to market gambling games in mainland Finland.”
Conditional fines ranged from €30,000 to €200,000 for individuals and €100,000 to €1.2m for companies. Where prohibition orders were ignored, collected fines for individuals ranged from €20,000 to €100,000.
Digital Channels Driving Illegal Marketing
Officials noted a rise in unlawful promotions via social media and gaming livestreams. Such activity can encourage participation among Finnish consumers and heighten the risk of gambling-related harm, according to reporting by Focus Gaming News.
Transition Set for July 2027
The enforcement push aligns with plans to open the online gambling market to licensed private operators on July 1, 2027. By September 22, regulators had received 75 licence applications, exceeding earlier expectations. Responsibilities currently held by the Finnish Gambling Administration under the National Police Board will shift to the Finnish Supervisory Agency upon liberalisation.
This sequence of actions establishes clear boundaries in advance of the structural change to a competitive framework.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
Subscribe →