Gaming giant Betsson received a significant €2.5 million penalty (approximately $2.7 million USD) from Finnish regulators for violating promotional regulations.
The issue stems from Betsson’s lack of an operational license in Finland. Despite this, Finnish officials discovered the company engaging in what they deemed “long-standing advertisement campaigns directed at the Finnish mainland” across multiple channels.
A warning and subsequent hearing seemingly had little impact, as Finnish authorities asserted that Betsson continued to prioritize mainland Finland as a key demographic. They essentially accused Betsson (specifically their parent company, BML Group) of generating substantial revenue through these questionable marketing tactics. This time, authorities took decisive action.
In addition to the substantial fine, Betsson was mandated to immediately halt all marketing initiatives targeting mainland Finland. This encompasses removing existing campaigns and ceasing any surreptitious advertisements on external websites.
These repercussions took effect on June 3rd, though Betsson is currently contesting the decision through an appeal.
The situation presents a stark contrast to Betsson’s recent pronouncements of a highly successful first quarter in 2023, boasting a considerable €147.5 million profit – a 38% increase compared to the previous year.
For six decades, Betsson has prioritized ensuring its clientele has an enjoyable experience – be it casino offerings, wagering on athletic events, or any other service we provide,” stated Pontus Lindwall, Chief Executive Officer of Betsson AB. “This principle is central to all our operations at Betsson, shaping our work ethic and how we guarantee returns for our investors.”
