The global wagering platform, Betfair, recently had their legal challenge dismissed by Sweden’s top administrative tribunal. They sought to reverse a substantial financial penalty imposed by the nation’s gaming authority, Spelinspektionen.
In June of 2019, Betfair was hit with a 5.5 million Swedish Krona sanction (approximately half a million US dollars) for violating Swedish gaming regulations. The company was found to have permitted underage individuals to engage in sports wagering.
Betfair contested the decision, initially filing an appeal in 2020, but the administrative court was unmoved. They appealed once more in 2021 and did succeed in having the penalty reduced to 4.5 million Krona.
Nevertheless, their most recent effort to overturn the fine has been unsuccessful. The administrative court upheld their prior judgment, leaving Betfair with a reprimand and a significant sum to settle.
Betfair was not the only entity to challenge the Swedish regulatory body. SkillOnNet and Betway also had their appeals denied. SkillOnNet was penalized for providing prohibited incentives and operating lotteries beyond the scope of their license, while Betway was found to be offering unsanctioned bonuses. These violations resulted in penalties of 14 million and 4.7 million Krona, respectively.
Both entities now face the same outcome as Betfair: a formal warning and an order to pay the fines in their entirety.
The appeal by Betsson’s branch, NGG Nordic, concerning a 2022 judgment from the Swedish Gaming Authority was unsuccessful. While the initial penalty of 19 million SEK was lowered to 14 million SEK, the court affirmed the underlying decision.