Finland Sets Conditional Fines Up to €1.2 Million for Illegal Gambling Marketing

Finland’s National Police Board has stepped up enforcement against illegal gambling marketing, with conditional fines attached to prohibition orders reaching €1.2 million for companies. The authority reported four prohibition decisions and six orders requiring conditional fines to be paid so far in 2026.

The figures, announced on October 14, distinguish threatened financial consequences from fines subsequently made payable. According to European Gaming’s account of the police statement, all six payment orders concerned individuals. No equivalent corporate payment orders were reported.

Conditional fines supporting marketing bans have ranged from €30,000 to €200,000 for individuals and from €100,000 to €1.2 million for companies. Amounts ordered payable after individuals failed to comply have ranged from €20,000 to €100,000.

The action covers gambling promotions on websites and social media, with police also highlighting advertising through gaming and gambling livestreams.

Conditional Fines Enforce Compliance With Marketing Bans

A conditional fine backs an instruction to stop prohibited conduct. It becomes payable if the recipient fails to comply within the specified period, rather than automatically falling due when the prohibition is issued.

The National Police Board considers the nature and extent of the breach, alongside the recipient’s ability to pay, when setting the amount. European Gaming reported that the authority uses these measures where marketing continues despite a warning and there are grounds to expect further non-compliance.

Juhani Wallinvirta, head of group at the board, said the purpose was to secure compliance with prohibition decisions and ensure the marketing stopped.

The authority also stressed that marketing extends beyond conventional advertisements. It includes other promotional activity intended to increase awareness of gambling providers or demand for their services. That makes the enforcement relevant to individuals promoting gambling through their own digital channels, as well as companies purchasing advertising. 

July 2027 Opening Does Not Permit Early Marketing

Under the current framework, Veikkaus retains the exclusive right to organise gambling in mainland Finland until the end of June 2027. The forthcoming licensing system does not replace those rules during the transition period.

The competitive market is scheduled to open on July 1, 2027. Operators have been able to submit applications to the National Police Board since March 1, 2026, while the Finnish Supervisory Agency will take over licensing and supervision when the new market begins.

The reform opens betting and online casino products to licensed competition. It represents a partial restructuring of the monopoly system, rather than the removal of Veikkaus’s exclusive rights across every gambling category.

Operator interest is already substantial. The National Police Board had received 75 licence applications by September 22, according to reporting citing information supplied to Finnish broadcaster Yle. Applications should not be treated as approvals or as confirmation of 75 separate operators entering the market.

The next regulatory milestone is the July 2027 opening. Until then, prospective entrants and their marketing partners remain subject to the existing restrictions, including the prohibition on promoting unauthorised gambling services in mainland Finland.