Finnish Streamer Fined €2,480 for Marketing Offshore Casinos

Court Finds Streamer Broke Gambling Marketing Rules

Content creator Jouko Kärkkäinen has been fined €2,480 by a Finnish court for promoting offshore casinos. Kärkkäinen is better known on the internet under the nickname “pottukoira.” The ruling of the North Savo District Court was adopted on 18 June. Between May 2023 and February 2024, judges determined that Kärkkäinen promoted gambling.

The promotions were seen on Instagram, Kick and a connected website, says the decision. The court stated that the material was aimed at the Finnish audience and infringed the Finnish Lotteries Act. Currently in Finland, gambling services are only able to be sold by a state-owned operator, Veikkaus. This means that Kärkkäinen is liable to pay 80 day-fines for a total amount of €2,480. He will also have to cover a further €80 victim surcharge.

Casino Offers Became Key Evidence

The case focused on several gambling promotions posted in Finnish. One example offered users “150 free spins for just €10.” Investigators also reviewed links connected to the pottukoira.com website. That site contained affiliate links directing visitors to offshore casinos.

Kärkkäinen denied the charge throughout the case. He argued that his content was entertainment rather than commercial marketing. He also said the website was not under his control. Furthermore, he stated that he spent part of the period in Tallinn.

Judges found that he allowed the website links to appear across his channels. The ruling also noted that he added some promotions through a chat-bot tool.

Judge Says Financial Gain Was Not Required

Judge Adelina Komulainen addressed a central question in the case — whether financial benefit needed proof. According to the judgment, a gambling offence can exist even without evidence of direct payment. The judge said the content still promoted the casinos' business activities.

That finding may interest other influencers and content creators. Many rely on affiliate arrangements and sponsored gambling content. The ruling suggests courts may focus on the promotion itself. Direct earnings may carry less weight in some cases.

Finland Moves Toward a New Gambling Market

Licence applications opened in March 2026 as part of planned reforms. Subsequently, the new regulated market will launch on 1 July 2027. Several key changes are expected:

• Private operators will be able to seek licences.

• Finland will move away from the Veikkaus monopoly.

• New marketing rules will govern licensed operators.

Beyond those changes, current restrictions remain fully active. Authorities continue to enforce the ban on marketing non-Veikkaus casinos until the new system begins.

Hence, the Kärkkäinen case serves as a reminder. Finland's future gambling market may look different — but today's rules still apply. Kärkkäinen can appeal the ruling until 20 July.