Sweden’s playing authority, Spelinspektionen, has taken decisive motion in opposition to Versus Odds B.V., the operator of Fortunepanda.com, for violating Swedish playing laws. This speedy ban, introduced (pdf) on January 2, 2025, underscores the regulator’s dedication to defending Swedish customers and sustaining gaming security.
The investigation into Versus Odds B.V. was triggered by suspicions of unlicensed playing actions focusing on Swedish gamers. The inquiry revealed a variety of violations, together with the web site’s intensive use of the Swedish language for phrases, coverage paperwork, and FAQ pages. Advertising and marketing campaigns additionally catered on to Swedish customers, additional indicating the operator’s deal with this market.
Violations and Regulatory Response
Spelinspektionen highlighted a number of points in its findings. Versus Odds B.V. operates underneath a Curaçao license, which lacks the authority required for offering playing providers in Sweden. The Fortunepanda.com website not solely allowed Swedish gamers to entry its providers but in addition failed to dam account registrations from the nation.
Additional scrutiny revealed that the operator manages a number of web sites, equivalent to Artcasino.io, Hazcasino.com, and Vegazcasino.com, a few of which equally goal Swedish customers. This intensive community amplified the regulatory concern, prompting swift motion.
To verify its suspicions, Spelinspektionen tried a covert take a look at buy on Fortunepanda.com. Though the take a look at couldn’t be accomplished, the proof gathered sufficed to show the positioning’s unlawful operations. Based mostly on these findings, Spelinspektionen banned Versus Odds B.V. from offering playing providers in Sweden.
Broader Implications for Client Safety
The Swedish Playing Act mandates that operators get hold of a neighborhood license to supply their providers legally. By imposing these laws, the Swedish authorities goals to channel playing actions via licensed, accountable operators. This strategy not solely ensures shopper security but in addition deters the proliferation of unlicensed platforms.
Spelinspektionen’s choice comes amid rising issues about unlawful playing in Sweden. In accordance with current information from AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), visits to unlicensed playing web sites have surged tenfold since 2019. Regardless of channelization charges stabilizing between 70% and 82%, challenges persist in curbing the expansion of unauthorized platforms.
The ban on Versus Odds B.V. displays Spelinspektionen’s dedication to safeguarding the Swedish playing market. Because the regulator acknowledged, “The choice should due to this fact apply instantly” to make sure compliance and defend customers.
In the meantime, the Swedish Commerce Affiliation for On-line Playing (BOS) has not too long ago expressed its approval of the Nationwide Audit Workplace’s current advice to judge Sweden’s Playing Act. The respective report drew consideration to weaknesses within the regulatory oversight of the playing sector, underlining the need for stricter controls to handle unlicensed playing actions inside the nation.
