Summary
- Kanon Gaming faced both a fine and a warning in Sweden due to shortcomings in their duty of care.
- When faced with a challenging fine, the gambling operator decided to appeal the decision. The outcome was in their favor; the country's Administrative Court ruled a lower penalty of SEK 4.8 million, or roughly $510,000.
- The Court recognized Kanon Gaming's cooperation with the gambling regulator, noting how they proactively addressed concerns. This collaboration played a key role in reducing the monetary penalty.
A Swedish gambling firm, Kanon Gaming Limited, has been hit with a substantial fine following a decisive ruling by the country's Administrative Court. This outcome stems from a previous penalty imposed by the Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, underscoring the seriousness of regulatory compliance.
The sanction is proportionate and deterrent
The gambling watchdog pointed out significant lapses in Kanon Gaming's duty to protect its players. These failures in responsible gambling practices led to a substantial penalty and a stern warning from Spelinspektionen. Following standard procedure in these matters, the company chose to challenge the regulator's decision, taking their case to the Swedish Administrative Court. The Court upheld both the warning and the fine but decided to reduce the original penalty to SEK 4.8 million, or approximately $510,000. In its ruling, the Court noted that the fine should be substantial because of the serious nature of the violations and the duration they went unchecked. Yet, it also recognized that Kanon Gaming made diligent efforts to work with Spelinspektionen to rectify the issues promptly. These efforts, along with other considerations, justified a reduction in the penalty. The Court concluded that a sanction of SEK 4.8 million is fair and deterrent, reflecting the gravity of the breaches and the company's financial circumstances.
The fine comes during a busy period for Sweden's gambling sector
The Swedish gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, is navigating a bustling period as it issues its latest penalty fee. Recently, the agency made waves by announcing that its esteemed Director General, Camilla Rosenberg, will be stepping down, with her resignation taking effect on October 31, 2025. Amidst these changes, Sweden's channelization rate has seen a slight decline, dipping to 85% in 2024 from the previous year's 86%. Despite this, a remarkable 96% of players recognize the presence of a regulated gambling market, underscoring its significance in the industry.
