Big news for anyone following Sweden’s iGaming scene. The country’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, just slapped Spooniker, a Kindred Group company, with a €920,000 fine for not following anti-money laundering (AML) rules.
This shows how serious Sweden is about keeping online gambling safe. Here’s what happened and what it means for you.
What Did Spooniker Do Wrong?
Spelinspektionen found that Spooniker wasn’t keeping a close enough eye on high-risk customers. They also failed to properly check for suspicious activity, which is a big deal for AML rules. These problems started in 2022, and despite warnings, Spooniker didn’t fix them. This isn’t their first misstep—they got hit with a €9.9m fine in 2020 for offering unapproved bonuses and games (later reduced) and a €1.9m fine in 2022 for similar AML issues.
Details of the Problem
The regulator said Spooniker’s systems for spotting and handling risky behavior were weak. They didn’t act fast enough when red flags popped up, which could leave their platforms open to money laundering. That’s why Spelinspektionen brought down the hammer with this Spooniker AML fine
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How Is Spooniker Responding?
Kindred, which owns Spooniker and runs brands like Unibet and Maria Casino, admitted the fine happened. They’re now working hard to improve their compliance systems. With Sweden’s strict rules, they know they need to step up to avoid more trouble.
Why This Matters to You
If you play on Spooniker’s sites, you probably won’t notice changes right away. But expect stricter account checks as they tighten their processes. This fine is a reminder to stick with platforms that follow the rules to keep your money and data safe. For the iGaming world, it’s a wake-up call—regulators are watching, and compliance is non-negotiable.
A Bigger Trend in Sweden
Sweden’s iGaming market has tight regulations, and Spelinspektionen isn’t playing around. Other companies, like ATG and PinBet, have faced fines for similar issues. This pattern shows that Sweden wants operators to prioritize safety and transparency, which benefits players like you in the long run.
What’s Next?
Spooniker needs to overhaul its AML systems to stay in the clear. Kindred might try to appeal the fine, as they’ve done before with mixed results—a 2020 fine was cut in half, but other penalties stuck. For now, keep an eye on how they respond. If you’re gaming in Sweden, choose platforms that stay on top of regulations for a smoother, safer experience.
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