The Spelinspektionen, the Swedish Gambling Authority, has intensified its efforts to curb illegal gambling activities by publishing a list of regulatory decisions on its website. This list details 32 banned operators and providers, including the most recent addition, Perfect Storm. This move comes as part of the authority’s strategy to combat illegal activities in Sweden’s gambling market.
Crackdown on Perfect Storm:
Perfect Storm joined the list of banned operators on November 2 after it was discovered to be operating its website under the brand name 500 Casino (csgo500.com) without a valid license. The website’s content was in Swedish, and its terms and conditions were tailored for Swedish customers. In response, the Spelinspektionen swiftly banned the site from operating in the country.
Information-Packed Listings:
Each listing on the authority’s website includes a detailed PDF document explaining the reasons for the ban, along with actions taken. Moreover, the list features annulments of decisions that prohibited the provision of gambling services by certain operators, such as Disrupt Entertainment and Gammix.
Guiding Operators:
In addition to the listings, the Spelinspektionen has published a document outlining the specific aspects it investigates regarding illegal operators. These include whether the site has content in Swedish, if it states participation conditions in the Swedish language, and whether it provides contact information specifically for customers in Sweden. By highlighting these key points, the authority aims to convey the seriousness with which it addresses illegal gambling activities in the country.
Recent Enforcement Actions:
Notably, the Spelinspektionen recently imposed an official warning and a penalty fee of SEK 9 million ($810,000) against Videoslots, an online operator, for violations related to money laundering and financing terrorism.
The Spelinspektionen’s proactive approach to preventing illegal gambling activities is evident in its published list of banned operators and its robust investigative framework. This crackdown, along with recent enforcement actions, underscores the authority’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Sweden’s gambling market and safeguarding consumers from unlicensed and potentially harmful operators.