Frequently asked questions about gambling supervision

Illegal marketing of gambling services can lead to the National Police Board’s prohibiting decision and a conditional fine or a penalty fee. Illegal marketing of gambling services may also constitute a gambling offence and result in a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of two years.

The National Police Board may prohibit the provision and marketing of gambling services in violation of the Lotteries Act. The aim of the prohibition is to prevent illegal marketing from continuing. The prohibition may be imposed on the gambling company, or a trader or organisation that sells or markets gambling services.

With its decision, the National Police Board may prohibit the marketing of gambling services, i.e. give the prohibiting decision. To reinforce the prohibiting decision, the National Police Board may impose a conditional fine.

The National Police Board may impose the prohibition on the operator who illegally supplies gambling-related participation tickets and fees, provides space for making slot machines available for use, or markets gambling services. The prohibition may also be imposed on a natural person who illegally markets gambling services or aims to advance participation in them.

The amount of the conditional fine has no maximum or minimum limit in euros. The National Police Board assesses the amount of the conditional fine on a case-by-case basis.

The National Police Board can present a proposal to the Market Court for imposing a penalty fee on an operator who intentionally violates the marketing prohibition laid down in the Lotteries Act.

The penalty fee imposed on the gambling operator or trader can be at most four per cent of the revenue during the year preceding the end of the violation in question; however, no more than EUR 5 million. The penalty fee must be at least EUR 10 000.

A penalty fee imposed on a natural person can be at most four per cent of their established taxable income, however, no more than EUR 40 000.

Running and marketing gambling activities in violation of the Lotteries Act or the Gambling Act may constitute a gambling offence. A gambling offence results in a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of two years.

The National Police Board may submit a report to the police if it suspects that the characteristics of a gambling offence laid down in the Criminal Code of Finland are met.

The police is the pre-trial investigation authority for gambling offences.