The Swedish government introduced the measures with the aim of combating problem gambling in online casino amid the pandemic. The restrictions included a maximum weekly deposit limit of SEK 5,000 ($578.76) and an SEK 100 limit to bonus offers.
After an investigation, the SGA found players at AB Trav och Galopp and Spooniker Ltd had been able to deposit more than the maximum SEK 5,000 limit per week on online casino games.
Spooniker Ltd offers games on its bingo.se, mariacasino.se, storspelare.se and unibet.se websites. Meanwhile, AB Trav och Galopp runs the atg.se and Sammen.atg.se websites.
Players had been able to circumvent the restrictions by raising their deposit limit above the SEK 5,000 limit, and then reducing it again after depositing their funds. Through this method, players had been able to deposit as much money as possible with the licensees.
The SGA has ordered the two gaming companies to “end the violation,” meaning they must no longer permit the COVID-19 restriction to be surpassed.
Both companies will also receive a fine of SEK 1m for each week that the injunction is not complied with from this point onwards. This will be calculated from three weeks after the companies accept the decision.
