Betsson scolded by Swedish Gaming Inspectorate for breaking match betting rules
Betsson has received a reprimand from the Swedish Gaming Inspectorate, or Spelinspektionen, for breaking its match betting rules.
The operator accepted wagers on penalties for fouls during a top-tier football game between Malmö FF and IF Elfsborg on 20 May 2021. Under Swedish law, operators are not permitted to offer betting on rule violations, including penalties or red and yellow cards.
This law exists to counter manipulation and match-fixing, though Betsson denies that any such thing took place. The operator also argued that it had not violated the Inspectorate’s rules as the match in question was a combination game. However, the regulator rejected this assertion, and pressed its verdict.
“Betsson Nordic Ltd has offered betting on penalties for violating the rules of a football match, which is not permitted in connection with a match, competition or tournament,” said the organisation in a statement, adding: “The Swedish Gaming Inspectorate does not consider that the betting has only been offered as part of a combination game makes any difference.”
As a result, the game was declared void, Betsson received a reprimand and was ordered to return the SEK 3,000 ($343) in turnover from the match to players.
Betsson has severed all ties with the third-party provider which offered the wagers and strengthened its procedures to prevent this from occurring again. Based on this, the regulator did not consider any further action necessary.
It remarked: “Based on the degree of seriousness that the Swedish Gaming Inspectorate has assessed with regard to the violation, a remark is a sufficient intervention.”
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