Betsson Faces Renewed Payment Blocking in Finland

Betsson’s BML Group has been added back to Finland’s payment blocking list after a decisive court ruling.

The Supreme Administrative Court upheld the National Police Board’s decision, enforcing stricter restrictions on the operator’s financial transactions.

Discover how this ruling affects Betsson’s operations in Finland and the broader implications for the gambling market.

Stay informed about evolving Finnish gambling regulations and their impact on global operators.

Betsson Readded to Finland Payment Blocking List Following Court Ruling

Key Points

1. Betsson’s BML Group was reinstated to Finland’s payment blocking list, following the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision.
2. The ruling requires all financial entities in Finland to block payments to Betsson-linked businesses.
3. The case highlights growing regulatory challenges ahead of Finland’s planned gambling market liberalisation in 2027.

Betsson Added Back to Finland Payment Blocking List

Betsson AB’s BML Group is once again facing payment restrictions in Finland. On 28 November, the National Police Board added the operator back to its payment blocking list after the Supreme Administrative Court upheld a previous ruling against the company.

This decision compels banks, payment providers, and crypto platforms to block all transactions between Finnish residents and BML Group entities. The move follows a prolonged legal battle that stemmed from allegations of unauthorised marketing practices in Finland.

The Court Ruling: A Final Blow

Betsson had appealed a February 2024 decision by the Helsinki Administrative Court, which confirmed a €2.4 million fine issued in May 2023 for marketing violations. These included extensive campaigns targeting mainland Finnish players, a breach of Finland’s strict gambling regulations.

The Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling now forces Betsson to pay the suspended fine and comply with ongoing restrictions. A Betsson spokesperson stated:

“We have taken note of the developments. At this time, we don’t have further comments but will provide updates as needed.”

Betsson’s Response and Strategic Moves

In response to mounting regulatory pressures, Betsson restructured its European Union operations. The company transferred most EU brands, except those targeting Sweden and Ireland, to a new holding entity, Rizk Nordic Limited.

Despite these adjustments, the company’s operations in Finland remain under significant scrutiny. Legal expert Antti Koivula remarked:

“The Betsson/BML case has officially concluded, with BML remaining on Finland’s payment blocking list until 19 October 2025. This outcome stems from prolonged unauthorised operations in Finland and marks a turning point in the country’s regulatory stance.”

Future Implications for Finland’s Gambling Market

The decision comes as Finland prepares to transition from a state-owned monopoly under Veikkaus to a competitive licensing system by 2027. The move aims to address low channelisation rates, which have persisted despite the monopoly’s exclusive control.

However, Betsson’s legal setback raises questions about its prospects for securing a Finnish licence under the liberalised framework. The operator’s history of regulatory breaches could complicate future applications.

Meanwhile, the case underscores Finland’s commitment to enforcing stringent gambling laws. The National Police Board’s actions signal a broader crackdown on unauthorised operators, with speculation growing about which company might face similar sanctions next.

Betsson’s readdition to Finland’s payment blocking list reflects the country’s hardline approach to unauthorised gambling operations. As Finland gears up to introduce a competitive licensing system in 2027, the case sets a precedent for the challenges operators may face in this evolving market.

For Betsson, the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling marks a significant obstacle, but it also highlights the need for all operators to navigate Finnish regulations with greater caution. As the gambling landscape shifts, compliance and strategic foresight will be key to thriving in Finland’s regulated market.