Finnish entrepreneur and television figure Jethro Rostedt is under scrutiny for alleged violations related to gambling advertisements on his Twitch account. The situation arose after gambling-related content persisted online despite prior warnings from regulators. In December 2024, Finland’s National Police Board issued a directive prohibiting Rostedt from promoting gambling services on Twitch. Initially, a fine of EUR 30,000 ($35,216) was proposed, later reduced to €25,000 ($29,347). According to Finnish media outlet Iltalehti, regulators observed content they classified as gambling advertisements on Rostedt’s account even after the ban took effect.
Authorities reported that the content contained numerous references to gambling offers, encouraging messages for users to engage in gambling, and links directing users to international betting and casino platforms. These links appeared to suggest affiliate associations, despite Rostedt’s denial of any commercial affiliations. The Police Board expressed concern that the material appeared to target audiences in mainland Finland, contravening national gambling regulations that reserve online casino marketing rights exclusively for the state-owned entity Veikkaus. The regulator’s conclusions were based on public reports and independent investigations, indicating that the actions were not sporadic but rather a continuous organized effort.
Rostedt’s brand was allegedly linked to the content through visual elements, such as cartoon renditions resembling him and references to his nickname “Jeti,” which were noted on at least one gambling site.
Rostedt has refuted the allegations, maintaining that he has never participated in gambling affiliate programs or received payments from gambling entities. He insisted there were no financial agreements with any casinos and claimed no revenue was generated from the disputed content. He argued that his Twitch streams had a global reach and were not specifically targeting Finnish viewers, although he acknowledged greeting viewers from various countries, including Finland. Rostedt explained that he only managed the Twitch account for live broadcasts and did not control it otherwise. He stated that he requested the platform administrators to remove flagged content, but he was unable to delete archived material himself. Following these events, Rostedt ceased streaming on Twitch.
In his communications with the Police Board, Rostedt criticized the severity of the potential fine, citing his current financial difficulties and the absence of financial gain from the alleged promotions. He also lamented the extended duration of the administrative process, describing it as excessively prolonged.
The National Police Board is expected to decide on the enforcement of the conditional fine or the imposition of further penalties if it concludes that the ban was breached. This inquiry places Rostedt back in the spotlight amid his ongoing legal challenges, following a conviction for tax offenses in late 2024, which has kept him in public attention.
This situation underscores the complexities faced by regulators in enforcing gambling laws across digital platforms, especially when content creators have global audiences. As regulators continue to navigate these challenges, the outcome of Rostedt’s case may set significant precedents for future enforcement in the digital gaming and gambling sector.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
