Finland’s National Police Board Issues Four Prohibition Decisions in Ongoing Crackdown on Unlicensed Gambling Marketing

Finland continues its crackdown on illegal gambling as the country remains on track to launch commercial gambling. The National Police Board announced that its Gambling Administration is taking action against the marketing of unlicensed activities. Promotional material appears more commonly on social media platforms and livestreams, with some content explicitly targeting Finns in breach of regulations.

Prohibition orders can be issued to companies and individuals. These orders may carry a conditional fine, the size of which depends on the severity of the violation. The goal is to ensure that ads promoting unlicensed gambling to players in Finland are discontinued.

Enforcement Tools and Compliance Objectives

Juhani Wallinvirta, head of group at the National Police Board, stated: “The imposition of a conditional fine may be considered necessary to ensure an immediate and effective end to the illegal marketing of gambling games. 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.”

Wallinvirta added that unlicensed promotions encourage players to start playing with companies that are not allowed to operate in Finland. Unlike licensed operators, unlicensed ones may lack fundamental player protection measures. The Police of Finland emphasized that the accessible nature of online gambling can be conducive to the rapid development of gambling-related problems.

2026 Actions and Fine Ranges

In 2026 alone, the National Police Board has issued 4 prohibition decisions and imposed 6 conditional fines for illegal marketing of gambling. The conditional fines have ranged from EUR 30,000 to 200,000 for individuals and from EUR 100,000 to EUR 1.2 million for companies. Fines ordered to be paid by individuals in 2026 have been between EUR 20,000 and 100,000.

Payment of a conditional fine occurs only when a company or individual has failed to comply within a specified time limit. This activity, according to reporting by GamblingNews, forms part of Finland’s sustained focus on halting illegal marketing before it reaches players. Enforcement remains centered on social media channels where violations concentrate.

Reporting: GamblingNews

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