SBC News Betsson to appeal ‘hefty’ Spelinspektionen penalty

Betsson to appeal ‘hefty’ Spelinspektionen penalty

Stockholm-listed Betsson AB will appeal its SEK20m (€2m) penalty issued by Spelinspektionen for the sale of games through ‘unregistered agents’ and the use of unauthorised bonus incentives.

Responding to the penalty notice, Betsson emphasised that ‘the warning, the sanction and the hefty sanction fee come as a surprise’, and will be appealed.

The group commented in a media release: “The decision will be appealed on both accounts since Betsson AB does not agree with the view that Betsson Nordic Ltd has not complied with the Swedish Gambling Act.

“Betsson AB is of the view that the vouchers have been offered in line with the applicable law and that Betsson Nordic Ltd has not offered any commercial incentives or benefits connected to the Betsson Mastercard”.

Spelinspektionen alleged that Betsson was allowing customers to fund their accounts through retail vouchers, while a Betsson-branded Mastercard was reportedly offering players illegal bonuses.

Betsson argued that the vouchers were launched through a deal with Convenience Card, which specialises in gift and prepaid cards, a common function for highstreet retailers.

Betsson emphasised that the Mastercard was developed to enhance the payment process for players, and had received the approval from Sweden’s financial regulator Finansinspektionen.

The card was not intended to provide bonus offers for players, with Betsson reiterating that it had previously prevented the card from being used for some promotions due to igaming laws on bonus offers and player incentives.

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