Sweden Increases Pressure on Unlicensed Casino Operators

Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s gambling authority, has ramped up enforcement against unauthorized casino platforms. The regulator banned three foreign companies—EOD Code SRL, Igloo Ventures SRL, and MIBS NV—from offering games to Swedish players. These companies lacked local licenses yet actively targeted Swedish users through affiliate marketing and influencer promotions.

Importantly, the authority identified marketing in Swedish, promotions via social media, and campaigns through streaming platforms like Twitch and Instagram. These tactics made it clear the companies were trying to bypass regulatory requirements.

This crackdown follows earlier bans on Newera Frozen PTE, Aprodi Limited, and Galaktika NV. In those cases, Spelinspektionen also found evidence of unauthorized market entry. Together, these actions highlight a firm stance: any operator without a Swedish license must stay out of the market.

Licensed Casino Brands Face Stricter Oversight

While unlicensed companies are in the spotlight, licensed operators are also facing increased scrutiny. Spelinspektionen recently launched a review of More Tech Group, a company with several lottery-based platforms like lottoexperten.se and superlottoclub.com. The regulator aims to verify whether this group complies with the Gambling Act.

Specifically, the review focuses on three core areas: obtaining proper consent for phone-based promotions, prohibiting gambling on credit, and enforcing user self-exclusion via Spelpaus. These regulations are crucial for consumer protection, especially as the market grows more complex.

Consequently, licensed operators must ensure strict adherence to compliance protocols. Any failure, even minor, could trigger deeper investigations or fines. The More Tech Group review signals that Sweden intends to hold all licensees accountable at a higher level.

Fines Reflect Gaps in Customer Protection

Earlier this month, Kindred Group’s Spooniker subsidiary received a SEK 10 million (€920,000) fine. Spelinspektionen found that Spooniker did not properly verify customers’ sources of funds. This failure raised concerns over potential money laundering risks within the platform.

Although the company used Sweden’s Bank-ID and internal risk assessments, the regulator deemed these methods insufficient. Furthermore, a similar issue in 2022 influenced the severity of the fine. The message is clear: regulatory history matters, and repeated mistakes carry heavier penalties.

To prevent such fines, operators must strengthen their due diligence systems. Not only should platforms track transactions, but they also must prove that their risk controls meet legal expectations. Otherwise, they risk both reputational and financial damage.

A New Regulatory Era for Casino Operators

Clearly, Spelinspektionen is reshaping the gambling landscape in Sweden. The regulator now enforces rules more transparently and publicly shares decisions to discourage non-compliance. As a result, international operators will find it harder to reach Swedish users through indirect tactics.

Moreover, these changes affect Swedish players. They may notice fewer offshore casinos are accessible, but they will also benefit from enhanced protections, particularly regarding identity checks and financial controls.

Looking ahead, other European regulators may adopt similar strategies. As compliance standards rise, online casinos must adapt or face exclusion from regulated markets. In turn, players can expect safer, more transparent gaming experiences.

Ultimately, this shift signals that the Swedish gambling authority prioritizes responsible play, consumer protection, and regulatory integrity. That approach could set the tone for a new era of compliance across the European iGaming industry.