A number of well-known gambling companies, such as Mr. Green, Spooniker, and ComeOn, were unsuccessful in their most recent attempts to challenge regulatory sanctions in Sweden. The operators were forced to pay hefty fines for regulatory infractions after the verdicts, which were made public on December 17, indicated that no more appeals would be permitted.
Kindred subsidiary Spooniker was ordered to pay SEK30 million ($2.7 million) for running unlicensed lotteries and providing illegal bonuses in March 2020. The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) first levied a substantial fine of SEK100 million, which was subsequently lowered to SEK50 million in 2021 and, earlier this year, to SEK30 million. Spooniker attempted to appeal again, but his attempts were denied, and the sentence remains in effect.
Mr Green Penalized for AML and Duty of Care Breaches
Mr Green faced fines for anti-money laundering (AML) shortcomings and duty of care violations. Spelinspektionen initially levied a SEK31.5 million penalty in August 2021. However, a subsequent appeal led the Court of Appeal to adjust the fines. The revised penalties included SEK12 million for duty of care violations and SEK1.5 million for AML failures, aligning with guidance from the Supreme Administrative Court.
Mr Green attempted to appeal the reduced SEK13.5 million fine but failed to gain approval, confirming that the operator must now settle the charges.
ComeOn Brands Penalized for Bonus Violations
Four brands owned by ComeOn—ComeOn Sweden, Snabbare, Hajper, and Casinostugan—were fined for breaching bonus regulations in February 2021. Earlier appeals successfully reduced their penalties, but recent efforts to further contest the rulings were denied.
- Snabbare: SEK24 million, reduced from SEK65 million.
- Hajper: SEK14 million, down from SEK50 million.
- ComeOn Sweden: SEK13 million, originally SEK35 million.
- Casinostugan: SEK8 million, reduced from SEK25 million.
With no further appeals allowed, all four brands must now pay the adjusted fines.
These decisions highlight Sweden’s stringent stance on gambling regulation and its commitment to holding operators accountable. The rejected appeals underscore the importance of adhering to local laws to avoid severe financial penalties.
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