Operators, Bethard and Betsson Nordic Ltd part of the Betsson Group have been hit hard with hefty fines relating to violations of Swedish gambling regulation.
Unauthorised Vouchers
Swedish customers were able to top up their betting accounts with unauthorised retail vouchers from retail chains Pressbyran and 7-Eleven.Spelinspektionen said the retail chains acted as ‘gambling agents’ under the countries gambling act and subsequently penalised Betsson with a huge SEK20Million ($2.1 million). Not only that, the regulator ruled that Betsson violated rules after offering illegal bonuses to Swedish customers via Betsson Mastercard.Betsson Mastercard customers would received bonus benefits like sporting event tickets after using the card. This inaugurates economic gain with the offer of discount of financial incentive which violates bonus regulations, at present customers are limited to one bonus after opening an account.
Bethard Fine
Bethard have also received a SEK400,000 ( £43,412) fine after accepting bets for football games where the majority of players were under 18. Bethard offered bets on Sweden’s U19 team in 2019 and were formerly hit with a SEK2.5 million fine . The fine was appealed and overturned in a Administrative court ruling, Spelinspektionen were to issue a warning but also, the regulator should determine whether a monetary fine should be issued. After deliberation, the regulator determined a SEK400,000 fine and a warning was sufficient.Spelinspektionen issued a statement on Wednesday saying a warning should be accompanied by financial punishment, The Bethard Group have yet to respond to the latest ruling.