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Swedish Gambling Authority bans Versus Odds BV
The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has stepped up its efforts to combat unlicensed gambling by issuing a ban against Versus Odds BV. The Curaçao-based operator, which runs multiple gambling websites, including fortunepanda.com, has been prohibited from offering its services in Sweden without a valid licence. The decision aims to protect Swedish players and uphold the country’s strict gambling regulations.
Unlicensed gambling targeted
Spelinspektionen’s investigation into fortunepanda.com revealed clear signs of non-compliance with Swedish gambling laws. The website featured Swedish-language content, including terms and conditions, FAQs, and promotional materials, indicating it was targeting Swedish players. Also, Swedish consumers were able to create accounts and gamble on the platform, further solidifying its focus on the Swedish market.
Under the Sweden’s Gambling Act 2018:1138, gambling operators wishing to operate in the country are obligated to have a licence. This license provision has left Versus Odds BV at loggerheads with the authority.
Broader enforcement measures
The ban against Odds BV is a part of the larger strategy from Spelinspektionen against illegal gambling activities. Other websites operated by the same group includes fortunepanda6.com, artcasino.io, and bet-nox.com.
This comes in as the regulator had earlier issued a ban against Cosmogames due to similar infringement cases in December 2024.
The Swedish Gambling Authority has been motivated by the justification of consumer protection and responsible gambling. Due to its nature, unauthorised operators often do not have legal measures in place regarding safeguards for the players and are exposed to fraud, addiction, and unfair treatment.
The authorities direct players to licensed operators ensuring access to responsible gambling platforms. The operators must also ensure respect for data and player safety standards. In turn, the licensees contribute public funds and other initiatives aimed at reducing gambling harm.
Penalties for non-compliance
Licensed operators are also not left out in the enforcement of regulations. In December 2024, Spelinspektionen imposed heavy fines amounting to SEK 59 million or £4.5 million on four licensed companies: Snabbare, Hajper, ComeOn Sweden, and Casinostugan due to offering unauthorised bonuses.
These penalties highlight the regulator’s zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of gambling laws, ensuring that both licensed and unlicensed operators remain accountable.
Educational campaigns to raise awareness
The agency further supports its efforts in law enforcement through the campaign “Unnecessarily Exciting,” targeting and educating Swedish players about risks from unlicensed gambling. It educates people to choose licensed operators, so that they can play and gamble within national rules.
The campaign aims to alert consumers to the dangers of unregulated platforms such as the absence of player protections, non-assured payouts, and misuse of personal data, while hoping to channel players away from illegal operators toward licensed, safe alternatives.
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