Sweden Bans Fortunepanda Operator for Illegal Online Gambling

Sweden’s gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, has taken decisive action against Versus Odds B.V., the operator of Fortunepanda.com, for violating Swedish gambling regulations. This immediate ban, announced (pdf) on January 2, 2025, underscores the regulator’s commitment to protecting Swedish consumers and maintaining gaming safety.

The investigation into Versus Odds B.V. was triggered by suspicions of unlicensed gambling activities targeting Swedish players. The inquiry revealed a range of violations, including the website’s extensive use of the Swedish language for terms, policy documents, and FAQ pages. Marketing campaigns also catered directly to Swedish consumers, further indicating the operator’s focus on this market.

Violations and Regulatory Response

Spelinspektionen highlighted several issues in its findings. Versus Odds B.V. operates under a Curaçao license, which lacks the authority required for providing gambling services in Sweden. The Fortunepanda.com site not only allowed Swedish players to access its services but also failed to block account registrations from the country.

Further scrutiny revealed that the operator manages multiple websites, such as Artcasino.io, Hazcasino.com, and Vegazcasino.com, some of which similarly target Swedish consumers. This extensive network amplified the regulatory concern, prompting swift action.

To confirm its suspicions, Spelinspektionen attempted a covert test purchase on Fortunepanda.com. Although the test could not be completed, the evidence gathered sufficed to prove the site’s illegal operations. Based on these findings, Spelinspektionen banned Versus Odds B.V. from providing gambling services in Sweden.

Broader Implications for Consumer Protection

The Swedish Gambling Act mandates that operators obtain a local license to offer their services legally. By enforcing these regulations, the Swedish government aims to channel gambling activities through licensed, responsible operators. This approach not only ensures consumer safety but also deters the proliferation of unlicensed platforms.

Spelinspektionen’s decision comes amid rising concerns about illegal gambling in Sweden. According to recent data from AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), visits to unlicensed gambling websites have surged tenfold since 2019. Despite channelization rates stabilizing between 70% and 82%, challenges persist in curbing the growth of unauthorized platforms.

The ban on Versus Odds B.V. reflects Spelinspektionen’s commitment to safeguarding the Swedish gambling market. As the regulator stated, “The decision must therefore apply immediately” to ensure compliance and protect consumers.

Meanwhile, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has recently expressed its approval of the National Audit Office’s recent recommendation to evaluate Sweden’s Gambling Act. The respective report drew attention to weaknesses in the regulatory oversight of the gambling sector, underlining the necessity for stricter controls to address unlicensed gambling activities within the country.