Lessons from the Netherlands Show the Risks of Eliminating Regulated SEO Affiliates

Finland is planning to ban affiliate marketing in its newly regulated online gambling market. The Finnish Government proposal HE 16/2025 VP sees affiliate marketing as problematic for the following reasons: risk of misuse by presenting incorrect information, blurring legal boundaries (difficulty distinguishing licensed and unlicensed operators), a lack of consumer protection (by not being neutral) and tax avoidance (as most affiliate operators are foreign registered).

New research from Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates (QMRA) warns that such a ban could have severe unintended consequences, including a rise in illegal gambling operators dominating search engine results.

Drawing on lessons from the Dutch market, where online gambling has been regulated since 2021, the report underscores the crucial role of SEO affiliates in directing consumers to legal, licensed operators and countering the influence of unregulated platforms.

The Netherlands has witnessed firsthand the challenges of illegal gambling platforms using SEO and Google Ads to attract vulnerable players. Research by Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) found that when legal affiliates are restricted, search results are quickly overrun by unlicensed operators. These sites often target minors and self-excluded gamblers, lack responsible gambling protections, and operate with minimal oversight.

Steven Vrolijk, QMRA Director: “The Dutch market has taught us a lot about how illegal operators adapt. We’ve also seen that proactive, responsible affiliates play a crucial role in pushing back against them. SEO affiliation is a form of advertising that only appears when a consumer is actively searching for gambling options. If Finland bans legal affiliates, its search results may soon be dominated by illegal results.”

The report highlights key risks associated with an affiliate marketing ban:

• Increased visibility of illegal gambling sites – Without regulated affiliates, players will primarily encounter unlicensed operators.
• Lack of consumer protections – Illegal sites do not enforce responsible gambling measures or age verification.
• Higher risk of fraud and money laundering – Many unlicensed operators accept cryptocurrency and other anonymous payment methods.
• Targeting of vulnerable players – Minors and problem gamblers are more likely to be exposed to unregulated gambling.

Instead of a full ban, QMRA recommends Finland implement a structured affiliate marketing framework.

Download the full report

The full report provides an in-depth analysis of the risks and offers data-driven recommendations.

A team of experienced iGaming executives has launched YourTopCasino, a new UK-facing affiliate brand designed to help players make smarter, safer choices when selecting an online casino.

The founding team – led by Chris Prentice and comprising marketing, retention and design experts – brings more than 30 years of industry experience with them from senior roles at companies including Grace Media, ActiveWin and Betable Group.

The brand enters the market with a fresh perspective, including a focus on responsible gaming, with reviews including detailed assessments of session limits, deposit limits, time-out tools, and self-exclusion options.

“The YourTopCasino team brings together years of experience across all parts of the iGaming value chain, so a move into affiliation was a logical next step,” said Chris Prentice, co-founder and director at YourTopCasino.

“We saw a gap in the market for an affiliate brand that doesn’t just prioritise conversions, but actually helps players engage with online casinos in a healthy and informed way. By building YourTopCasino around trust, transparency, and responsible gaming, we’re creating long-term value for both players and operators.”

In addition to expert reviews, the site offers a growing library of responsible gambling resources.

As the UK market continues to evolve, YourTopCasino’s player-first approach positions it as a timely and forward-thinking addition to the affiliate space.

Raketech has been informed that Ulrik Bengtsson has accepted a role as full-time CEO of an international company. Ulrik has consequently informed the Board that this new role will eventually require him to step down from Chairman and Board member, but Ulrik remains available for re-election at Raketech’s AGM in May and is committed to stay on up until July 30th to assisting Raketech in the transition period. The nomination committee has started the process of finding a new board member, who may also assume the role of Non-Executive Chair. A further update will be provided in due course.

The Company appreciates this is an opportunity for Ulrik and thanks him for his contribution and dedication to the Raketech board since joining in May 2021.

“Stepping back into a full-time CEO role feels like the right professional move for me, and the opportunity I have been presented with is compelling. I am confident that the entire Raketech board and executive team remain dedicated to strengthening the balance sheet and shaping an exciting strategy that I expect will be unveiled to investors in the coming months. I firmly believe Raketech has the potential to be a key player in the global iGaming ecosystem, both now and in the future, and that the company is well-positioned to generate substantial returns for all shareholders over time.”