GiG to appeal Swedish watchdog’s non-compliance fine of SEK 3.5m

GiG’s Swedish subsidiary Zecure Gaming Ltd has received a warning with a penalty of SEK3,500,000 (approximately €330,000) by the Swedish Gambling Authority Spelinspektionen (SGA) due to alleged non-compliance, according to a GiG press release. GiG says it followed SGA rules and will appeal to the fine while adding that they have taken measures to ensure their operations are aligned with SGA regulations.

A warning and a penalty were sanctioned to the company for displaying a U17 game between Georgia and Slovakia on 28 January on its Swedish site. The authority says that the event was event incorrectly offered online and no bets were taken from end users based in Sweden.

Nevertheless, GiG intends to appeal the sanction, as the company says it does not agree with SGA’s assessment and conclusion as the presentation of an event cannot be considered the same as accepting bets on U18 games for the purposes of both determining the infringement and the quantum, as the press release says.

In addition, GiG says it has taken the necessary measures to ensure that all games presented on the sites are in line with SGA’s requirements and interpretation in order to end users in Sweden.

Sweden implemented gambling regulation from 1 January 2019, a development which GiG welcomes as the regulation promotes fair and safe play and offers better protection for the end users. GiG has also prioritised investments in building systems to adhere to the requirements of the Swedish gambling laws.