Unlicensed gambling operators exploiting authorized platform providers, according to ATG's allegations
Rewritten Article:
Get ready to roll the dice on an exciting update from the Swedish gambling scene – ATG's latest report has brought the heat on unauthorized gambling operators! In a shocking revelation, it's been found that 17 out of 20 offshore sites offering casino games are using software licensed in Sweden, a serious violation of the country's re-regulated market rules.
ATG Calls Out Offshore Sites: The Gambling Dozen
The state-owned gambling titan, ATG, has sounded the alarm, claiming that at least 17 popular sites in Sweden are using software provided by operators with valid licenses. This means that offshore sites are indirectly leveraging the licenses, defying the rules meant to keep such activity at bay.
To add fuel to the fire, ATG's Q4 report also indicates that Sweden's channelization rate did not meet the target of 90%. While the reported rate varies, the organization estimates it to be between a disappointing 69% and an optimistic 82%. Nevertheless, if you're in the betting game, sports betting seems to be a more promising bet; channelization for these products was already close to the mark, with rates between 79% and 88%.
The channelization rate isn't unique to Sweden, though. Germany and the Netherlands are grappling with the same issue in their jurisdictions. Intriguingly, ATG detected a notable trend among offshore casinos that are using software from Swedish-licensed providers to target customers directly with BankID, a renowned and popular payment method in Sweden.
ATG Putting Its Foot Down: The Wrongdoers Face the Music
In a move to clean up the market, ATG named notorious offenders like Lucky Jungle and Unlimit Casino. Lucky Jungle allegedly had a whopping 147,284 visits in Q4, while Unlimited Casino registered a substantial 113,002 visits during the period.
ATG's CEO, Hasse Lord Skarplöth, expressed concern over the high number of illegal gambling sites and their immense control of the market. In response, ATG vowed to help tackle this issue, aiming to route all gambling activities through the regulated market.
Fighting illegal gambling isn't a new trend – Sweden has initiated measures like shutting down unauthorized operators, enhancing regulatory oversight, and closing legal loopholes to protect players and maintain a fair market. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as Sweden continues this thrilling quest for regulatory efficiency and a crackdown on unauthorized gambling operators!
Image credit: Unsplash.com
Enrichment Data:
Sweden's ongoing efforts against unauthorized gambling sites and for improving channelization are highlighted here:
- Banning the Unauthorized: The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has banned operators like EOD Code SRL, Igloo Ventures SRL, and MIBS NV from accepting bets from Swedish consumers due to unlawful marketing practices.
- Tightened Oversight: Spelinspektionen has launched supervision proceedings against licensed operators, such as More Tech Group, to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Closing the Gaps: Sweden is closing loopholes to stop offshore gambling sites as part of broader efforts to limit foreign operators' activities.
The goals, actions, and results regarding channelization in Sweden are outlined as follows:
- Channelization's Mission: The primary objective of channelization is to ensure that the majority of gambling activity takes place through licensed operators, creating a safer environment for consumers and preventing illegal activities.
- Stepped-Up Enforcement: The Swedish government and Spelinspektionen are strengthening enforcement mechanisms to improve channelization, including revisions to the Gambling Act to address criticisms regarding insufficient inspections and follow-up procedures.
- Financial Incentives: Fines imposed on operators like Videoslots and Spooniker for non-compliance demonstrate the regulator's commitment to enforcing stringent regulations.
- The Swedish state-owned gambling company, ATG, has flagged 17 offshore casino sites that operate within Sweden's re-regulated market but do not have their own licenses, highlighting a serious violation of the country's gambling rules.
- Offshore casinos, including Lucky Jungle and Unlimit Casino, have been using software licensed in Sweden to target customers in Sweden directly, even though they are unauthorized operators.
- Despite the ongoing efforts to improve channelization in Sweden, the estimated channelization rate in the fourth quarter did not meet the target of 90%, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of regulations in the casino-and-gambling industry.
