Betsson loses Finnish app case

BML Group, parent of online gambling companies Betsson and Betsafe, has lost its case against the Finnish regulator and national police department in a Finnish court action.

The company sought almost $3 million in compensation after regulator and police action resulted in the Apple iStore blocking gambling app sales to Finnish punters. BML questioned whether the Finnish authorities acted in compliance with the local Lotteries Act in requesting the block.

A survey earlier this year by YLE reported that over two thirds of respondents – 66 percent – supported the current monopolistic gambling system in Finland. The survey highlighted generational differences in the opinions of respondents, with older groups content with the system, but 20 percent of the mainly younger, male demographic favouring change and a wider choice for players.

The Economist has reported that Finland is the world’s fifth biggest gambling nation.

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