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BML Group Ltd. was prohibited by the National Police Board of Finland from marketing gambling services in Finland, in violation with the Finnish Lotteries Act. A conditional fine of EUR 2.4million was imposed to enforce the prohibition. BML Group Ltd., a subsidiary company of Betsson AB, has been prohibited from marketing its gambling services in Finland by the National Police Board. A conditional fine of EUR 2.4 million was imposed to reinforce this prohibition.
The company targeted Mainland Finnland in its advertising across multiple channels for a long period of time. The company, and its subsidiaries, were given several chances to make a statement about their opinions and change their actions to conform to the National Police Board’s views. During the hearing, the company made some changes to its marketing channels, for example. However, marketing directed at Mainland Finland continued.
The National Police Board determined that BML Group Ltd. had a significant financial interest to continue the illegal activities. They also found that these activities continued for quite some time, despite the National Police Board’s previous control measures. The National Police Board reviewed the marketing measures taken by the company and considered them a mitigating element when determining the amount of a conditional fine.
The National Police Board has imposed a ban on BML Group Ltd. for materials that are posted on its websites and promote gambling services on Mainland Finland. The ban covers all marketing communications aimed at consumers in Mainland Finland. This includes using Finnish celebrities to promote gambling services, in a way that appeals to consumers. It also includes podcasts, video podcasts, and articles aimed at Mainland Finland.
This prohibition applies also to marketing BML Group Ltd. services on websites that are not owned or administered by the Group, in a way where the Group or its representatives give financial benefits to marketer.
BML Group Ltd. is required to comply with this prohibition by refraining from publishing any new sales promotion materials targeting Mainland Finland, removing all previously published material, and refraining from marketing on any other websites.
BML Group Ltd. is added to the list when the National Police Board implements the ban.
The National Police Board may enforce the conditional fine imposed on BML Group Ltd. if it continues to market gambling services in Mainland Finland despite this prohibition.
