Authority orders closure of WinBet NV in Sweden
In a recent development, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has ordered WinBet NV, the operator of the gambling website Super.bet, to cease operations in Sweden immediately due to its illegal targeting of Swedish players without a valid Swedish license [1][3][4][5].
The move comes as part of Sweden's stringent regulatory oversight of its gambling market, which aims to ensure consumer protection and safety under the Gambling Act [2]. Super.bet, which allows players to deposit, play, and withdraw funds in Swedish Krona, is accused of tailoring its offer to Swedish players, thereby operating without authorisation under Sweden's regulated gambling framework [3].
This enforcement action against WinBet NV underscores Sweden's commitment to enforcing its gambling laws and maintaining a tightly controlled gambling market that excludes unlicensed operators from targeting local players [1][3][5]. Unlicensed operators found to target Swedish players face immediate bans and forced cessation of operations, as demonstrated by this action against Super.bet.
The ban also serves as a warning to other unlicensed entities that the Swedish regulator is actively monitoring and taking decisive action against illegal gambling activities [1]. Furthermore, it helps protect consumers by ensuring that only regulated, licensed operators compliant with Swedish laws can provide gambling services, which includes adherence to responsible gambling measures and consumer protections [2].
It's worth noting that Spelinspektionen's crackdown on non-compliant operators extends to licensed operators as well. In early June, the regulator issued fines against several licensed operators, including Betsson, Snabbare, and TSG [6]. The order applies to WinBet NV and its website, super.bet, since the website contains text in Swedish and allows Swedish customers to access it and set up accounts, despite not holding a license recognised by the Spelinspektionen [4].
Since super.bet does not have a valid Swedish license, consumer protection mandates cannot be verified, potentially putting consumers at risk [7]. The regulator did not receive a response from WinBet NV after allowing them to present their side of the story [1].
References: [1] Spelinspektionen (2021). Spelinspektionen bannar Super.bet från att bedriva spel i Sverige. Retrieved from https://www.spelinspektionen.se/nyheter/pressmeddelanden/2021/spelinspektionen-bannar-super-bet-fran-att-bedriva-spel-i-sverige/ [2] Spelinspektionen (n.d.). Om Spelinspektionen. Retrieved from https://www.spelinspektionen.se/om-spelinspektionen/ [3] Superbet (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.superbet.com/ [4] Spelinspektionen (2021). Spelinspektionen bannar Super.bet från att bedriva spel i Sverige. Retrieved from https://www.spelinspektionen.se/nyheter/pressmeddelanden/2021/spelinspektionen-bannar-super-bet-fran-att-bedriva-spel-i-sverige/ [5] Spelinspektionen (2021). Spelinspektionen uppmärksammar att Super.bet bedriver spel i Sverige utan saklig licens. Retrieved from https://www.spelinspektionen.se/nyheter/pressmeddelanden/2021/spelinspektionen-uppmarksammar-att-super-bet-bedriver-spel-i-sverige-utan-saklig-licens/ [6] Spelinspektionen (2021). Spelinspektionen utfärdar böter mot flera speloperatörer. Retrieved from https://www.spelinspektionen.se/nyheter/pressmeddelanden/2021/spelinspektionen-utfar-boter-mot-flera-speloperatorer/ [7] Spelinspektionen (2021). Spelinspektionen uppmärksammar att Super.bet bedriver spel i Sverige utan saklig licens. Retrieved from https://www.spelinspektionen.se/nyheter/pressmeddelanden/2021/spelinspektionen-uppmarksammar-att-super-bet-bedriver-spel-i-sverige-utan-saklig-licens/
- The Swedish Gambling Authority's (Spelinspektionen) action against WinBet NV highlights a growing trend in the gambling industry to enforce responsible gambling measures and ensure consumer protection, particularly in the casino-and-gambling market.
- In the casino culture, unlicensed operators offering casino-games like Super.bet are facing increased scrutiny and big-wins no longer provide a blind eye to their illegal activities.
- Las Vegas, a city synonymous with casinos, may soon have a new player in the casino-personalities arena as the Spelinspektionen's crackdown has sent a strong message to the gambling trends worldwide.
- Despite the allure of lotteries, players would be wise to avoid unregulated platforms, given the recent events surrounding Super.bet and the potential risks associated with responsible-gambling mandates not being met.
- As the casino market becomes more regulated, it's essential for players to be aware of their rights and the legal framework that governs casino-games to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
