Key points:
- The case relates to marketing practices and gambling losses between 2009 and 2014
- The customer claimed Betsson targeted him despite their awareness of his gambling addiction
- Betsson CEO said the ruling is specific and not expected to impact broader operations
BML Group, a subsidiary of Betsson Group, has been ordered by the Supreme Court of Sweden to repay approximately €500,000 ($589,037) to a former customer.
The ruling confirms a decision issued by the Patent and Market Court of Appeal in December 2023.
The former customer, who had been diagnosed with gambling addiction, brought legal action against the company seeking reimbursement for historical gambling losses as well as compensation for emotional distress.
The complainant argued that Betsson continued to direct “extensive and aggressive marketing” toward him despite being aware of his gambling-related issues.
The dispute relates to events that occurred between 2009 and 2014, prior to the introduction of Sweden’s Gambling Act in 2019, which established a clearer regulatory framework for the country’s gambling market.
Good to Know: Spelinspektionen (the Swedish Gambling Authority) has recently fined Betsson, along with Snabbare and TSG, in an unrelated case
Pontus Lindwall, President and CEO of Betsson AB said: "We are, of course, disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision in this individual case. At the same time, we note that these are very specific circumstances and that the judgment is not expected to have any broader financial consequences for our operations.
"Betsson has for a long time implemented rigorous processes for responsible gaming. We do not allow customers with gambling problems known to us to use our services."
