Sweden’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has banned WinBet for illegally targeting Swedish players through its Superb.bet website. The investigation revealed that WinBet holds a gambling licence only in Greece but was operating actively in Sweden without proper authorization.

The regulator found that Superb.bet auto-translated to the Swedish language when accessed from an IP address in Sweden. The site also allowed transactions in Swedish Krona. These details were integral to determining that WinBet targeted players without a valid Swedish licence.

According to Swedish law, an operator is seen as targeting players if its website offers a Swedish language option and common local payment methods. Since WinBet met these criteria, Spelinspektionen acted swiftly and offered WinBet a chance to respond. However, the company refused to comment, so their operations were banned immediately.

Previous Regulatory Actions Against WinBet

This ban is the latest regulatory action against WinBet. Last October, Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch gambling authority, issued a warning to the brand for running unlicensed gambling websites in the Netherlands.

The Dutch regulator found WinBet operating across four unlicensed sites in the Netherlands: Galaxyspins.com and Winnercasino1.bet, Superb1.bet, and Doctorspins.com. Therefore, the Kansspelautoriteit ordered the company to cease its activities or face weekly fines of €280,000, accumulating up to a maximum of €840,000. 

This enforcement demonstrates increased pressure from European regulators on operators targeting markets without the required licenses.

Swedish Regulator Clears Three Operators

Spelinspektionen has cleared three major operators after a recent compliance review. In June, the regulator launched extra supervision on AB Trav och Galopp, Svenska Spel Sport & Casino, and Lotto Direct. The supervision aims to verify whether these companies comply with specific reporting requirements under Swedish gambling laws. 

After thorough review, the regulator found no violations requiring further action. All three cases were closed and the outcome shows that Spelinspektionen maintains strict regulations over licensed operators. It reassures players and stakeholders that compliance and transparency are key priorities. 

Implications for the Gambling Industry

The WinBet ban sends a strong message to operators targeting Swedish players without licences. Regulators are closely monitoring for signs of market targeting, including website language and payment options. Operators in breach of these rules face immediate penalties and bans.

This case adds to growing regulatory pressure on unlicensed gambling companies across Europe. Authorities are focused on protecting players and promoting responsible gambling. 

Sweden’s firm stance ensures the market remains safe and regulated. However, this ban is a significant setback for WinBet. So, the operator must respond to regulatory demands or risk facing further penalties. Meanwhile, Swedish players are urged to use only licensed operators to guarantee fair gaming experiences.