Spelinspektionen Hits Operators With Major Fines

_{Swedish gambling authority Spelinspektionen has fined major operators over anti-money laundering failures and illegal gambling software distribution. (Image: vlad imir / Alamy)}

Sweden’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has taken strong action against several licensed operators and organisations, citing lapses in anti-money laundering (AML) controls and unauthorised activities. It follows similar investigations and action taken by the Norwegian regulator against Norsk Tipping.  

Key Fines for Major Operators Highlight AML Oversight Gaps 

Following investigations, it has been confirmed that several well-known gambling companies have been fined for failing to properly monitor and assess customer transactions:

TSG Interactive (owned by Flutter) received the largest fine of SEK 7 million (€642,260) for not escalating high-value transactions. In some cases, individual deposits exceeded SEK 424,514 over a year, yet the operator delayed or failed to investigate the source of funds. 

For players, the fine indicates potential vulnerabilities where illicit money could be laundered through licensed platforms, raising concerns about the integrity of the gambling environment.

Betsson Nordic was fined SEK 6.5 million (€596,400) after investigations revealed that some young players (aged 18-29) deposited amounts far exceeding their reported income, with some deposits around SEK 491,950 despite an annual income of SEK 310,000.

The regulator criticised Betsson for classifying such risks as low or medium, suggesting that players might be exposed to lax controls that could mask problematic gambling behaviours or financial risks.

Snabbare received SEK 5.5 million for permitting deposits beyond players’ known income levels and showing delays in risk assessment, potentially allowing players to gamble beyond their means or hide suspicious activity.

What Are the Implications for Players? 

As with any major crackdown on illegal activities, there will be follow-on consequences. Players can expect regulators to act on the ongoing concerns about player protection, transparency, and responsible gambling practices.  

The case illustrates the need for players to be vigilant and to make the right choices when gambling in online casinos. 

Players could be at risk if operators do not adequately verify their identities, monitor suspicious transactions, or detect problematic gambling behaviours.

Enforcement Extends to Charities and Political Groups 

We have all experienced the hard sell by charities and lotteries. Almost everywhere you purchase an item now, you are asked to tick a box to add a donation. 

That is your prerogative to select; however, the regulator has also targeted organisations involved in charity and political lotteries, citing aggressive sales tactics and irregular promotional practices.

The black and grey markets have been in the news lately, and there is no sign of their offerings abating. The courts can and do hand out fines and recently upheld a fine against Hacksaw Studios AB for distributing gaming content to unlicensed operators. 

Since July 2023, Swedish law requires all companies involved in producing, installing, or modifying gambling software to hold a local licence.

What Does This Reform Mean for Swedish Players?  

The knock-on effect for Swedish players is threefold. The first is enhanced security and fairness, with the crackdown on AML breaches and unlicensed activity aiming to create a safer gambling environment, reducing the risk of money laundering and ensuring players’ funds are protected. 

The second is better player protection with operators under increased scrutiny to implement effective identity checks and transaction monitoring, which should lead to better detection of problematic gambling behaviours and financial risks.  

The third is reduced exposure to unlicensed sites, with the enforcement against unlicensed software providers helping ensure players are only engaging with licensed, regulated operators, reducing the risk of fraud, unfair practices, or lack of recourse.  

Sweden is committed to maintaining a safe, transparent, and responsible gambling sector, providing players with greater confidence in licensed platforms and encouraging responsible gambling habits.