In a recent development, Svenska Spel has successfully appealed against an SEK100 million penalty fee and warning from regulator Spelinspektionen. The case revolved around charges related to the operator’s duty of care in regards to 10 customers who experienced losses during a specific period. The Administrative Court in Linköping ruled in favor of Svenska Spel during a hearing, overturning the initial penalty and warning.
The regulator, Spelinspektionen, had originally accused Svenska Spel of shortcomings in player duty of care, citing violations of the country’s 2019 Gambling Act. The investigation highlighted concerns over the operator’s handling of customers who had lost significant amounts during the specified period. Despite the regulator’s claims of inadequate player protection measures, Svenska Spel’s successful appeal indicates a different perspective on the matter.
Following the appeal, Svenska Spel emphasized the need for greater clarity in interpreting the duty of care requirements. The operator called for regulatory changes in Sweden, citing the current lack of clear rules that have led to compliance challenges for operators. While Svenska Spel’s appeal was successful, the possibility of further appeals from Spelinspektionen remains open.
In a parallel development, Spelinspektionen imposed fines on three companies for anti-money laundering (AML) breaches. Betsson Nordic, TSG Interactive, and Snabbare were among the companies fined for deficiencies in their AML practices. These recent actions reflect a proactive approach by the regulator in enforcing compliance within the gambling industry.
The regulatory landscape in Sweden continues to evolve, with ongoing enforcement actions and calls for clearer guidelines to ensure player protection and AML compliance. As the industry navigates these challenges, operators must remain vigilant in meeting regulatory expectations to maintain a responsible and sustainable gambling environment.