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Rules and licensingDuel casino founder Ossi Ketola detained after march in Finland
The controversial founder of crypto casino Duel was detained by Finnish police after attending a far right rally dressed in a cartoon mascot costume.
Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 8 September 2026
Ossi Ketola, the founder of online crypto casino Duel and skin gambling site CSGOEmpire, was detained by a police tactical unit in Helsinki. Ketola, aged 29, attended a march organized by a far right group while wearing a grotesque mascot costume inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants. He and his security entourage livestreamed the event on Kick before fleeing anti fascist counter protestors. Finnish police stopped their vehicle shortly after the group was heard shouting offensive slurs.
Mascot chase in Helsinki
Video footage shows Ketola running awkwardly across a park in his heavy costume while being pursued by demonstrators. He later claimed his group was attacked without provocation, though his video does not show how the confrontation began. Inside his getaway vehicle, Ketola used racial slurs to complain about the protestors who chased him. Police surrounded the car a short time later and held Ketola and his group for about two hours before releasing them without charge.
History of controversial behavior
This is not the first time the gambling entrepreneur has courted controversy. Ketola has a history of using racist language on social media, which led to his ban from X in October 2025. His casino brand, Duel, also faced widespread condemnation for hosting a combat sports event in Florida that pitted a neo Nazi fighter against a Jewish opponent. Spectators at that event waved a large swastika flag.
Impact on the brand
The behavior of its founder could have serious implications for the reputation of the Duel gambling platform. Ketola has publicly expressed extreme views about race and morality in promotional videos. He also vowed to return to future demonstrations with hundreds of guards. Bettors and industry observers are watching to see how these incidents affect the platform.
Bettors using Duel or CSGOEmpire should be aware of the severe reputational risks and potential regulatory scrutiny facing platforms tied to such controversial leadership.