Finland has fined an online personality who used his digital presence to promote unlicensed gambling websites to Finnish customers. For context, Finland’s gambling market currently employs a monopoly model where there is a single legal operator that citizens can play with.
The North Savo District Court just ruled that Jouko Kärkkäinen, known online as “pottukoira,” has been convicted of violating Finland’s gambling laws. The content creator was accused of leveraging his online presence to promote unlicensed gambling to players in the country.
The court understood that. Between May 2023 and February 2024, pottukoira promoted illegal gambling websites across his Kick and Instagram accounts. He is said to have tempted players with attractive casino bonus offers, thus encouraging them to engage with unlicensed operators.
In response, pottukoira stated that his objective was never to target Finnish customers. He also insisted that the purpose of his content was entertainment rather than incentive. However, his multiple mentions of free spins and welcome offers didn’t align with that claim. In addition to that, pottukoira’s personal website, which he promoted, included affiliate links to the unlicensed websites in question.
The Streamer Was Fined
Due to the violation of Finland’s Lotteries Act, the North Savo District Court convicted pottukoira, slamming him with a EUR 2,480 fine ($2,840). He will have to pay this sum over eighty days. In addition to that, the streamer will be required to pay an EUR 80 ($92) victim surcharge.
The judge noted that even if pottukoira did not benefit from the promotion, this was still a significant offense. Despite that, the judge determined that, in this case, pottukoira’s objectives were, in fact, commercial.
The streamer can appeal the ruling by July 20.
Finland to End Gaming Monopoly
In the meantime, Finland prepares for the launch of its commercial gaming sector. The country, which still operates gambling under a monopoly model, has been making steps to join most other European countries in liberalizing its gaming market.
The National Police Board recently reported that some 50+ operators have applied for iGaming licenses in the country. This interest suggests that Finland is poised to become a major European gaming market.