Sweden Cracks Down on Unauthorized Gambling Operators

Sweden’s Regulatory Focus on ASG 360 Services

• Sweden targets ASG 360 Services for operating games of chance without authorization.
• Although a test purchase was unsuccessful, the regulator discovered materials in the Swedish language.
• Sweden views entities offering products in Swedish as actively targeting its market.

The Swedish Gambling Authority has recently released an enforcement action on its platform, outlining a case against ASG 360 Services. This company, based in Curacao, has been providing games of chance without securing the necessary license from the regulatory body, as an official statement highlighted.

ASG 360 owned multiple websites, identified by the regulator for violating local regulations by offering gaming services without the required approvals. Despite the regulator’s initial attempt to conduct a test purchase, it was unable to do so. However, the presence of the local currency, the Krona, as a payment option indicated the company’s intent to cater to Swedish customers, according to the regulator’s assessment.

Additionally, the Swedish Gambling Authority raised concerns over the discovery of materials translated into Swedish, further suggesting the operator’s intent to target the Swedish market. The regulator made efforts to communicate with ASG 360, particularly regarding GG.bet.

In a translated statement, the Swedish Gambling Authority commented:

‘The Swedish Gambling Authority has prohibited ASG 360 Services Limited from offering games in Sweden without the necessary license. In alignment with our strategy, we prioritize actions that ensure gambling occurs with operators possessing a Swedish gaming license. We clarify the rationale behind our decisions to prohibit illegal online gambling by publishing them on our website.’

These points indicate that Sweden was one of the markets the company was targeting, according to the regulator. The regulator further elaborated on the case, emphasizing that restricting the operator’s access and its brands’ access to the local market serves consumers’ best interests.

Ongoing Challenges in Swedish Channelization

Meanwhile, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has recently called for the government to address a legal loophole regarding the offering of bonuses in the local currency, which is not specifically deemed ‘illegal’, though the activity is banned. The regulator’s latest actions indicate that it results in enforcement measures.

To deter offshore operators from such practices, the BOS has urged the government to impose stricter penalties. This comes amid concerns over the country’s channelization rate, which is reportedly between 69% and 82%. This figure falls short of the 90% target, although the report originates from the state-owned operator, ATG, and should be considered cautiously.