On January 2, 2025, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) announced an immediate ban on Versus Odds B.V., a Curaçao-based company, from providing gambling services to the Swedish market without a proper license.
This decision was made to ensure compliance with Sweden’s gambling regulations and to protect consumers.
Investigation Uncovers Unlicensed Activities
The investigation was initiated after suspicions arose that the website fortunepanda.com, operated by Versus Odds B.V., was targeting Swedish users without the required authorization.
Although a covert test purchase by the authority could not be completed, multiple indicators confirmed that the website catered to Swedish consumers.
These included:
- Content and terms of use available in Swedish.
- Policy documents and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section in Swedish.
- Marketing efforts directed at Swedish users through affiliates.
The investigation revealed that Swedish consumers were able to register and create accounts on the platform, further solidifying its accessibility to the Swedish market.
Extended Network of Websites Under Scrutiny
Beyond fortunepanda.com, Versus Odds B.V. operates several other gambling platforms, including artcasino.io, casinostars.io, and vegazcasino.com, among others.
These sites are also part of Spelinspektionen’s ongoing efforts to regulate the market and prevent unauthorized gambling services.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
According to Swedish law, all gambling operators must obtain a license to offer their services within the country. The legislation aims to channel gambling activities through responsible and controlled operators. Spelinspektionen has the authority to impose bans and penalties to ensure compliance.
The authority cited the Gambling Act (2018:1138), which specifies that online games targeting the Swedish market must comply with local licensing requirements, regardless of the operator’s location.
Factors such as the use of Swedish text and transactions in Swedish currency are crucial in determining whether a service is directed at Swedish consumers.
Consumer Protection and Immediate Action
The decision to enforce the ban immediately was driven by concerns for consumer protection and the integrity of the gambling market. Anna Folkegård, Acting Department Head at Spelinspektionen, emphasized the importance of safeguarding Swedish players from unlicensed operators.
Steps for Appeal
Versus Odds B.V. has been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations but has yet to submit any statement. The company retains the right to appeal the decision, as outlined in the attached procedural guidelines.
This decisive action by Spelinspektionen reflects Sweden’s firm stance on regulating its gambling market and ensuring that operators adhere to its strict licensing requirements.
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