Sweden’s state-run gambling operator Svenska Spel has successfully overturned a SEK100 million (9.2 million) fine after the Administrative Court in Link?ping ruled that the company did not breach existing duty-of-care obligations.
In March last year, the regulator, Spelinspektionen, judged that Svenska Spel Sport & Casino, the operator’s digital arm, failed to protect ten high-risk customers from gambling excessively between October and December 2021. Spelinspektionen claimed that the company had not taken adequate preventative measures, thereby violating the Swedish Gambling Act introduced in 2019.
However, while the court acknowledged that the customers involved displayed clear signs of harmful gambling, it concluded that the legal framework at the time did not clearly require more decisive intervention. The penalty and accompanying warning were annulled.
Legal victory for Svenska Spel
Svenska Spel Sport & Casino CEO Fredrik Wastenson criticised the original fine as disproportionate. He also argued that legal clarity must be at the centre of future enforcement.
“We believe the authority may only take measures that are supported by the legal order, the so-called legality principle, which the court has also stated,” said Wastenson, adding: “There is a need to create greater clarity in the interpretation of the duty of care.”
Stricter rules impact Svenska Spel earnings
In Q1 2025, Svenska Spel reported a 4.1% drop in net gaming revenue, falling to SEK 1.876 billion (172.6 million) from SEK 1.956 billion (179.9 million) the previous year.
Svenska Spel’s CEO, Anna Johnson, pointed to reinforced player protection measures as a factor behind the company’s results.
The decline was also largely attributed to the gradual shutdown of land-based 바카라s, with only one remaining open during the quarter. Following a legislative change, all state-owned 바카라s have now been closed.
In July 2024, Sweden also increased its gambling tax from 18% to 22%. Overall, the country maintains some of the strictest gambling regulations in Europe, with a strong emphasis on responsible gaming.
