Key Moments:
- Spelinspektionen levied a SEK 60,000 penalty against Kalamba Games for supplying software to unlicensed Swedish operators
- Quickspin faced a warning and a SEK 650,000 fine after its games appeared on unlicensed sites
- Proposed amendments to the Swedish Gambling Act could change the requirements for excluding Swedish players from unlicensed gaming offers
Regulatory Action on Non-Compliance
Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gambling authority, has taken decisive action against two gaming providers for breaching regulations related to the supply of software to unlicensed operators. Kalamba Games and Quickspin both received regulatory warnings and monetary penalties following inspections that identified their products on sites not licensed to operate in Sweden.
Kalamba Games: Inspection and Response
Kalamba Games received a SEK 60,000 (€5,400) penalty for supplying software to operators without valid Swedish licenses. The company had obtained a five-year supplier permit in April 2024, which made it subject to the full requirements of the Gaming Act. During an inspection on May 9, regulators nevertheless found its software available through operators facing prohibition orders under Chapter 18, Section 23.
Supervisory measures were initiated, after which Kalamba Games implemented corrective steps, discontinuing the provision of software to unlicensed operators. The provider stated, “by geoblocking games for Swedish IP addresses, it considered that it was within the framework of regulatory compliance since it is an industry standard in other regulated markets.”
Quickspin: Fines and Corrective Action
Quickspin has been licensed as a supplier since April 2023 but was sanctioned after regulators found its games on unlicensed sites. As a result, the company received both a warning and a SEK 650,000 penalty. To explain the lapse, the provider pointed to content partners and added that corrective measures have since been implemented.
Legislative Changes Under Consideration
Potential changes to the Swedish Gambling Act are under review. Investigator Marcus Isgren has suggested the removal of the “so-called directional criterion,” which currently applies the law only to games specifically targeting the Swedish market. Under the proposal, the focus would shift to a participant-based perspective: the crucial question would become whether individuals in Sweden are able to take part in the gaming offer.
Consequently, online gambling operators would be required to “take appropriate and effective measures to prevent participation from Sweden,” such as implementing geoblocking, in order to remain outside the Act’s scope.
| Provider | Penalty (SEK) | Reason for Penalty | Corrective Action Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamba Games | 60,000 | Supplying software to unlicensed operators | Discontinued supply to unlicensed operators; geoblocking implemented |
| Quickspin | 650,000 | Games present on unlicensed sites via content partners | Corrective actions reported |
- Author
Daniel Williams
