News
QMRA Research – Warning on potential Affiliate Ban in Finland

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.
Affiliate Announcements
ReferOn Expands Offering with New Support Packages, “ReferOn Assist”

ReferOn, an innovative affiliate management system, has experienced significant growth in 2024, with multiple technical and quality-of-life improvements to the platform. As a result of an influx of new operators and affiliates, ReferOn has introduced ReferOn Assist.
ReferOn Assist offers tailored support packages in three distinct tiers: ReferOn Assist, ReferOn Assist Plus, and ReferOn Assist Premium. Each tier provides enhanced support, cost-effective hourly support rates and more to help users meet their affiliate marketing strategy goals.
ReferOn Assist, the entry-level subscription package, includes a number of benefits, such as guaranteed support hours, faster response times and a higher resolution priority compared to ReferOn Basic users. All ReferOn Assist subscribers also receive direct channel support for easy access to our agents. Lastly, subscribers to this tier also enjoy more cost-effective out-of-hours support prices and affordable review reports for business analysis purposes.
ReferOn Assist Plus offers a further guaranteed response time, a larger bundle of support hours included and extra training time to help maximise affiliate operation efficiency. This subscription tier includes a quarterly review report packed with valuable insights and dedicated resolution priority for any pressing queries or issues. All subscribers also receive even further reduced out-of-hours support rates.
The last tier, ReferOn Assist Premium, provides operators and affiliates with the most comprehensive dedicated support package. Subscribers receive the highest response time and a large bundle of inclusive support hours at reduced rates. Premium users have access to a dedicated support manager for tailored assistance and the most cost-effective prices for after-hours support.
Each of these support packages are tailored to continue to provide the best possible customer service for Referon clients, whilst also helping reduce costs.
David Harris, ReferOn’s Operation Lead, commented on the new support packages, saying, “ReferOn prides itself on providing top-quality support for all operators and affiliates. The release of the ReferOn Assist packages allows us to prioritise helping our valued partners to ensure that they can make the most of our platform at all times. We look forward to seeing how the ReferOn team can work closely with all our users to achieve their business needs.”
Awards
Casino Guru shortlisted for AffPapa iGaming Awards due on May 28

Casino Guru is part of the upcoming AffPapa iGaming Awards due to take place in Malaga, Malta on May 28, with the company shortlisted in both the “Branding of the Year” and “Casino Affiliate of the Year” categories.
This marks another major milestone for Casino Guru this year, as the company has been shortlisted for both the iGB Affiliate Awards and the SBC Awards Europe.
These achievements have clearly demonstrated Casino Guru’s lasting influence in the iGaming industry and the prominent status it holds thanks to its ongoing efforts to make the sector more transparent, responsible, and safer for players.
Daniela Silva, Public Relations and Creative Projects Director, said: “The nomination for the ‘Branding of the Year’ category is an exceptional achievement for Casino Guru. The company has worked tirelessly to establish itself as a brand synonymous with player trust and recognition, and I am confident this nomination exemplifies exactly that. Our creative projects extend beyond Casino Guru alone, as the brand continues to expand and promote best practices in iGaming that help players stay safe, informed, and responsible.”
Casino Guru’s nominations for the AffPapa iGaming Awards reflect the painstaking work the company has put into ensuring that it builds a brand that is synonymous with player trust and confidence.
Through the Complaint Resolution Center and Safety Index, Casino Guru has consolidated its presence in the industry as the foremost authority on guiding players to the best casinos.
Casino Guru uses the world’s most advanced evaluation process and regularly reviews entries into the database to ensure impartiality and objectivity in offering players the opportunity to choose from a list of established and carefully-assessed brands.
Awards
Industry praised as finalists announced for July’s iGB Affiliate Awards

Stephen Carter, Clarion Gaming’s Head of Affiliate Content and internal judging lead for the IGB Affiliate Awards has praised both the number of submissions received and their overall quality.
Speaking as organisers published the list of finalists across the 20-strong categories, he confirmed: “Our external industry judges who are selected for their expertise and their depth of knowledge of the iGaming affiliate sector have been hugely impressed by the overall quality of the individual submissions and the number of companies that have chosen to participate in the 2025 edition of the Awards.
“Both metrics are indicative of how seriously the Awards are taken and how they are widely recognised for being the most prestigious and transparent merit-based awards in iGaming.
“It’s also significant that 40% of the submissions which have progressed to the finals are from businesses not previously shortlisted. This level of engagement demonstrates the relevance and reputation enjoyed by the iGB Affiliate Awards across the iGaming ecosystem.”
Madrid headquartered Betandeal has achieved the most shortlisted entries, making the cut in five categories. The affiliate agency is closely followed by Gambling.com Group, which has put itself in the running across four categories, for best affiliate in casino, sports and bingo (via its WhichBingo brand) as well as Affiliate Employer of the Year.
Newcomer WagerWire has also been shortlisted in four categories across sports, Safer Gambling Initiative of the Year, Employer of the Year and Best Affiliate Campaign.
Interest is mounting in the showpiece black-tie event, with the industry celebration being presented by broadcaster and musician Myleene Klass MBE.
The critically acclaimed television personality, part of the original Britpop era, will host the Cool Britannia-themed event being held 3 July at the Troxy, the stunning Art Deco masterpiece situated in the heart of East London.
The Troxy has an 80-year musical heritage and has featured performances by Liam Gallagher, Jarvis Cocker, Garbage and the Cure.
Members of the iGaming affiliate community can still participate in the public vote for Game of the Year by following the link found at https://www.igblive.com/igb-affiliate-awards-2025. Votes must be cast before 3 June.
The iGB Affiliate Awards shortlist can be viewed at: https://www.igbaffiliate.com/en/articles/121752/igb-affiliate-awards-2025-shortlist-revealed/
-
Awards2 weeks ago
Casino Kings Celebrates Double Nomination at the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2025
-
Awards2 weeks ago
ReferOn Receives Key Nomination at iGB Affiliate Awards 2025
-
News2 weeks ago
Slotsoo Launches New Proprietary Social Tournament Platform
-
Affiliate Success2 weeks ago
EEGS Webinar: Affiliates Face New Demands in Balancing Compliance and Conversion
-
Awards1 week ago
Industry praised as finalists announced for July’s iGB Affiliate Awards
-
News1 week ago
Hiring Boom: Major affiliate QiH Group builds in-house tech team with eight new hires
-
Affiliate Success1 week ago
Casino Guru shortlisted in 2 categories for iGB Affiliate Awards 2025
-
Awards4 days ago
Casino Guru shortlisted for AffPapa iGaming Awards due on May 28