Sweden’s bonus regulations cost operators nearly $1.5 million Betway and Mandalorian technologies cited as the fined parties Spelinspektionen to continue uphold the best consumer protection practices
The Swedish gambling watchdog has issued $520,000 fine to UK operator Betway. Mandalorian Technologies has been slapped with a separate fine worth $940,000 for breaching bonus rules.
Sweden Inflicts Fines OverBonuses
Swedish regulators mean business. The gambling watchdog, Spelinspektionen, is really no exception. After Sweden introduced a regulated iGaming market at the turn of 2019, brands have been eying the new market with high hopes. Regulations in the UK have been tightening and as it turns out – Sweden is no exception.
Some companies, such as LeoVegas and Betway, have made sure to be among the first to enter the Swedish market. Others, such as William Hill, have been holding back until recently. Sweden is not without its challenges insofar as gambling regulation is concerned as Betway has found out first-hand.
The Spelinspektionen has fined the online casino for using bonus offers that breached the regulations that mandate the use of promotional language in the country. Unlike most other countries, Sweden doesn’t allow operators to extend bonuses after the sing-up offers. Betway has been found to offer such goodies on several occasions, leading to a $520,000 fine.
Betwayhas been warned about its conduct and beaching the rules that allowit to operate legally in the country. In an official statement,Spelinspektionen reiterated its position on protecting consumers:
“The main purpose of the new gambling regulation, which came into force on January 1, 2019, is to strengthen consumer protection and reduce the negative effects of gambling.”
Sweden has been enforcing restrictions insofar bonuses are concerned as the country’s lawmakers and competent authorities believe that there is a direct link between gambling addiction and subsequent promotional offers. In February, the watchdog issued an official warning arguing that it was aware of breaches in the original agreement.
Spelinspektionenhas also defined bonuses well enough to avoid any ambiguity. InSweden, a bonus is any form of “discount”which comes in the form of additional money for the customer. Therecent developments will be r 7BALL eason enough for less prominentoperators to make sure they compete within what Sweden legallyallows.
CustomerProtection Is Strong in the North
A$500,000 fine is not to be sneezed at, especially when operators arecompeting against many brands in the market. MandalorianTechnologies was another operator to have been found in abusingbonus practices. Scandinavian countries are far more disinclined tolet breaches of their regulation slide.
Denmarkhas just introduced a whistle blower scheme that would allow insidersto report practices that are designed to intentionally harmcustomers. Denmark is also the only market in Europe that abides withtheEuropean Union rules on customer safety insofar as gambling isconcerned.
