- The SGA fined Betsson (SEK8M), Snabbare (SEK7M), and PokerStars (SEK4M) on June 2, 2025, for breaching bonus rules and AML measures under the Gambling Act.
- Violations included offering recurring bonuses and weak transaction monitoring, prompting fines to protect players and curb financial crime risks.
- The $1.2 billion iGaming market may see fewer promotions but safer betting, with operators facing pressure to comply or risk pushing players to unlicensed sites.
Why the Fines Were Imposed
On June 2, 2025, the SGA announced fines after investigations revealed that Betsson (SEK8 million), Snabbare (SEK7 million), and PokerStars (SEK4 million) violated bonus rules and anti-money laundering (AML) measures.
The operators offered bonuses beyond the allowed welcome offer, a strict rule under Sweden’s 2019 Gambling Act, and failed to implement adequate AML checks, risking financial crime.
You can imagine the SGA’s concern: unchecked bonuses can lure vulnerable players, and weak AML measures could enable money laundering. The fines follow a pattern, with the SGA previously penalizing Roar Vegas and Glitnor for similar duty-of-care failings.
Details of the Violations
The SGA found that Betsson, operating through NordicBet, offered recurring bonuses like free spins, against regulations limiting promotions to a single welcome bonus.
Snabbare, part of the ComeOn Group, and PokerStars, owned by Flutter Entertainment, also breached bonus rules and failed to monitor transactions effectively, raising red flags for AML compliance.
The SGA noted that all three cooperated with investigations but deemed the violations serious enough for fines.
You might see why this matters: Sweden’s strict rules aim to protect players and maintain a clean market, but operators are struggling to comply fully.
See also:
- Kenya Introduces Strict Gambling Ad Rules to Curb Addiction
- Iowa Bettor Sues DraftKings for $14.2M Over Voided Weather-Based Golf Bets
- Brazil’s Consumer Platform Logs Over 1,000 Gambling Complaints as Regulation Looms
Impact on Sweden’s iGaming Industry
Sweden’s $1.2 billion iGaming market is heavily regulated, with an 86% channelization rate to licensed operators, yet unlicensed sites still generate SEK2.5 billion annually.
These fines signal the SGA’s push to tighten control, especially after a 2024 appeal reduced a fine for Hacksaw Studios, showing courts can soften penalties if operators act responsibly.
For you, this could mean fewer bonus offers but a safer betting environment, as operators like Betsson may overhaul their compliance systems.
However, strict enforcement risks pushing players to unregulated platforms, a concern raised by the Swedish online gambling association BOS.
What’s Next for the Operators and Sweden
Betsson, Snabbare, and PokerStars can appeal the fines, as Hacksaw Studios did successfully, but must act quickly to align with SGA rules.
The regulator is also probing unlicensed operators and pushing for legal reforms to close loopholes, following a 2023 case where Zimpler won against an SGA injunction due to vague laws.
You might wonder how this affects your betting: expect operators to tighten bonus policies and AML checks, potentially reducing promotions but boosting trust.
With Sweden’s market under scrutiny, these fines could spark broader changes, urging you to stick with licensed platforms for safety.
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